Feb 11, 2008 4:43 pm US/Pacific
Oak. Researchers Find Lead In Baby Products
Reporting
Sue Kwon
OAKLAND (CBS 5) ―
Consumer group Center for Environmental Health has previously discovered high levels of lead in toys and bibs. Now the Oakland-based group has found it in vinyl containers specifically designed to store a baby's milk.
Director Michael Green says,
"What we found this time is these products designed to store nipples, baby bottles, where you put baby's milk are contaminated with lead," said Director Michael Green.
The lead comes from the vinyl in the fabric found in the following products:
- "Pump in Style" breast pump carrier made by Medela
- First Years "Natural Transitions" breast pump carrying case by RC2 Brands, Inc.
-Playtex "Fridge to Go" vinyl baby bottle cooler
-NFL licensed Oakland Raiders baby bottle cooler
-vinyl Skip Hop, Inc's "Pacifier Pocket" carrying case.
The products tested came out with lead levels between two and nine times the federal legal limit for lead in paint which is 600 parts per million. The items are sold at Target and Babies-R-Us.
Babies-R-Us tells CBS5 the company is conducting tests of its own and will have all safety information posted on its website as soon as it becomes available. It is now working to pinpoint the exact products and model numbers in question.
Green says while babies may not put the items directly in their mouths, the lead can be transfered by adults handling the products.
"Lead is a neurotoxin for the developing brain. It shouldn't be there in the first place," said Green.
He says a ban on the toxin is unlikely, but he's pressuring lawmakers to push through a federal law later this month limiting lead in all products for children under 12.
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