toxic \"green washed\" reusable totes

By offering reusable canvas bags, retailers allow consumers to participate relatively easily in a greener lifestyle.
As a small change that individuals can make to reduce their carbon footprint and are considered an eco-friendly alternative to plastic shopping bags, reusable bags have become a popular, Simple Green
So, when the Tampa Tribune commissioned a study that found alarming potential unsafe lead content in these reusable bags, the ecosystem was shocked
Consumers of conscience who think they are doing the \"right thing.
According to the Tribune, many of the most decorated reusable bags --
Made in China and available in some major grocery stores in the United StatesS. -
High levels of lead containing more than federal restrictions, if residents put lead into their household waste, the level of lead is high enough to be considered a \"hazardous waste \".
The lab test found \"the most carefully decorated bag\" from Publix and Winn\"
\"The highest concentration of lead \".
The Tribune notes the bags of Target and Wal
The design of Mart is relatively simple, with much lower lead content and is almost \"impossible to detect \".
Lead is a known developmental neurotoxin associated with lowering children\'s IQ, learning disabilities, and fertility problems.
Although the Tribune and most health officials acknowledge that there is no immediate threat, some fear that lead paint may peel off or rub on food transported in the bag.
Others are more concerned that bags may pile up over time and then break down in a landfill where lead can pollute the soil and go into the water system.
In response to the Forum report, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N. Y. )
Wrote a letter to the United StatesS.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Consumer Safety Production Committee and Environmental Protection Bureau (EPA)
Ask them to conduct a thorough investigation.
Sen said: \"When our family went to the grocery store to find safe and healthy food to feed their children, the last thing they should worry about was the toxic bags.
Schumer said in a statement.
\"Federal agencies need to impose a ban on reusable bags containing lead.
\"On November 16, the FDA agreed to conduct an official investigation to determine the safety of reusable canvas bags.
Fortunately, most retailers responded to the forum\'s findings by giving consumers a refund and asking the supplier to reduce the amount of lead in the bag, although experts have determined that there is no safe level of contact with highly toxic metals
Toxic reusable bags are the latest example of products imported from China that have not been subject to regulatory scrutiny expected by consumers.
Lead toys contaminated with melamine, dry walls containing sulfur dioxide and infant formula are all labeled \"Made in China\" and pose a potential threat to human health.
These toxic reusable handbags are also another example of \"green washing --
Selling products under the pretext of \"ecology\"
In fact, it is not friendly.
If you\'re worried about reducing
In our environment, biodegradable plastic and unconfident reusable bags are truly safe, and recycled paper bags or 100% organic cotton handbags are still your best choice
Deirdre Imus is the founder and president of the Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center (r)
At the University of Hackensack Medical Center andFounder and Co-
Director of Imus Ranch for children with cancer.
Deirdre is the author of four books, including three national best-selling books.
She often gives speeches on green life and children\'s health and is also a contributor to FoxNewsHealth. com.
For more information, please visit www. dienviro.