The Center for Environmental Health has long warned us of the dangerous levels of lead and other toxins in our handbags. Now the non-profit group has joined forces with other environmental groups to launch a website which explains whether the accessories we covet are safe.
Healthystuff.org details test results for more than 5000 products, including the presence of lead, mercury, arsenic, and at what levels. The database features handbags and other items, including toys for children and pets, and cars. The site plans to include more products, including mattresses, in time.
“It’s not right that people have to be in this position of not knowing what’s safe to buy at the stores,” said Michael Green from the Center for Environmental Health. “What the database can do for the public is if they’re thinking about buying something that they think might have lead, they can actually look it up.”
Another spokesperson for the group Carolyn Cox warned that high levels of lead, especially common in yellow handbags, can be absorbed through the carrier’s skin. That can be very harmful, particularly to the unborn children of pregnant bagistas. Purses from Aldo, Nine West, and Guess have all scored poorly on the site.
I love cheery yellow handbags, but this online resource has made me think twice about carrying one of my own!
[Image Source: HealthyStuff.org]
