The Center for Environmental Health has filed a lawsuit against 16 top retailers, including H&M, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Target. The non-profit group claims the stores sell purses and wallets containing unsafe levels of lead.
Most of the handbags in questions are crafted from vinyl and faux leather fabrics. They come from brands like Forever 21, Dana Buchman, Nine West, Aldo US, Liz & Co. and LuLu NYC. The suit claims the businesses have violated the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 by not warning shoppers of the risk of exposure.
Exposure to lead can cause cancer, reproductive damage, and birth defects.
“Lead exposures for pregnant women are of particular concern in light of evidence that even short-term lead exposures in utero may have long-term harmful effects,” the suit said.
Scientists say there is no safe exposure level for lead. I don’t know about you, but that’s enough to make me spend a little extra on those genuine leather purses!
[Source: San Francisco Chronicle]
