CPSIA

For those of you who haven't been keeping up with the latest updates about the CPSIA, where the heck have you been? I mean really, why can't you keep up with the new exemptions, request for comments, changes of interpretation, etc. that have been occurring every few days?

For those of you who don't know what the CPSIA is, please listen to a blog radio show I participated in; there's lots of details.

So the latest update is that the CPSC is now requesting comments on which products should be exempted from the Phthalate testing. All comments must be received within 30 days from their request; March 13. There is actually a chance I might survive this mess; seeing that Phthalates are used to manufacture plastics, and I don't use plastic in my designs... we'll see what they decide.

I swear, I feel like I'll get whiplash from all of these turning of events.

I'm also feeling a bit torn about the current request to also grant exemptions for rhinestones, crystal, etc. with regards to the lead testing. Their reasoning is that if a child swallowed a rhinestone or crystal from their jewelry, picture frame, or clothing it would be exposing them to less than the amount of lead that they currently are already eating... if they are eating certain canned fruits and veggies, packaged brownies, and other processed foods! WHAT??? I can't wrap my head around that logic! How is it ok for lead to be present in food?!

I'm still not sure what to think, aside from just being glad that I buy my fruits and veggies at my local farmer's market, and we eat mostly unprocessed and fresh food.

Not that I'm saying those exemptions shouldn't be in place; but I'm kind of wondering what the FDA has been allowing to go on!