GainesvilleMoms.com

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Daphne posted this on our msg. board on the Alachua county Moms play group and it looks like the law has already been passed. I am outraged! I'm ready to protest BIG time and start calling our local congress reps!

There will be so much waste of children's clothing! It makes me sick to even think of all the good clothes, shoes, toys etc. that will fill our already over crowded landfills. And put so many used clothing stores out of business! How many people will be able to afford to get there stuff tested for lead? Not a lot. So many jobs will be lost and what about the majority of the people who can't afford to buy their clothes brand new!?! I thought we were trying to be more GREEN? This is so not earth friendly! It's the stupidest thing! I am for child safety but this is ridiculous! If this truly happens in Feb I am going to be so outraged! If anyone has petitions already started I will gladly help campaign! What can we do to stop this!!!??!!!

The article starts with what I posted here below:

Some owners say the cost of testing for toxic lead and phthalates will shut their businesses. The law goes into effect Feb. 10.
By Alana Semuels
January 2, 2009
Barring a reprieve, regulations set to take effect next month could force thousands of clothing retailers and thrift stores to throw away trunkloads of children's clothing.

The law, aimed at keeping lead-filled merchandise away from children, mandates that all products sold for those age 12 and younger -- including clothing -- be tested for lead and phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more pliable. Those that haven't been tested will be considered hazardous, regardless of whether they actually contain lead.

First things first...this is an article. I think we should all get on the CPC website and do some personal research. I think that overall this is a good plan; I do think they should modify some of the legislation (i.e. testing clothes made of all natural materials would be silly).

But...I think that as children's apparel professionals, manufacturers and shop owners need to take this as a life lesson about being aware of their industry. This has been a long process with plenty of opportunities for these owners and manufacturers to be a participant. And they still can! The CPC is asking for comments and input on how they can modify the legislation.

I wonder if we haven't gotten away with some cheaper prices at the expense of our kids' health? I for one would rather pay for more expensive clothes (and yes, possibly have less) yet know they are safe...!

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This may be a dumb question...but what's different about today's clothes vs the clothes we wore as children? Or kids clothes vs adults clothes?

Was there not lead when we were growing up? Are our clothes not made the same way?

The thing that gets me, is the article uses a child who swallowed a piece from his shoe as an example. I think the bigger issue is they shouldn't have put pieces that can easily come off on a shoe that a child may chew on. Besides, he could have just as easily died from choking on it or getting it stuck somewhere as lead poisoning. I'm not saying lead isn't an issue, but I don't know why it's suddenly an issue.

If someone knows more about this, I'd love to hear about it. Like I said, I'm not informed on any of this.

Well another Mom from our group found this website save kids resale

where you can put in your zip code and email your senators/rep about the law.

My husband was reading the law and he thinks that it only applies to the manufactorers and believes the thrift stores etc. will not be effected. So it's all very confussing. I am hoping to get a reply from on of our senators giving me the straight up facts. I wish it was clear what really is going to happen. I do believe the makers should be responisble but the resalers like thrift stores etc. shouldn't b/c you are buying it used therefore it's always at your own risk. I work at a non profit thrift store here in town and we do read and keep updated as much as possible to take recalled products off of our shelves.

Just released today -- clarification of their new law -- WILL NOT affect reselling of used items at thrift stores, ebay, garage sales, etc...

FROM CPSC
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Daphne thanks so much for updating us!!! My husband thought it wasn't going to effect Thrift stores etc, and I was hoping he was right. So I'm so glad that you found this clarification. We no longer have to worry! Thanks!

Well I think it still affect places like Esty and people that make things.

At first glace this doesnt sit well with me..but I will take your advice and research this further.