In reaction to what has been going on in the news and marketplace lately i have decided to post some thoughts based on providing consumer protection to mitigate potential harm.
Are you aware that many OTC consumer products aren’t tested for heavy metals because they’re not considered consumer products?
Think toothbrushes, dental floss and other oral hygiene products. Would you believe that they are not considered consumer products? These items are considered medical devices and even thought they are designed or used by children, they do not fall within the definition of children’s products that require third-party testing for heavy metals as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
Pregnant women & children absorb the same percentage of the toxins that they ingest. Don’t you think that the products pregnant women use be regulated the same as a child’s product?
“Pregnant women use all different types of consumer products, including medical devices. Children and pregnant women absorb 30-50% of the lead they ingest while adults absorb only about 10% – this is because lead substitutes for calcium and the growing body needs more calcium. One of the many reasons kids are more sensitive to lead exposure.”[1]
Contamination continues in the kitchen; do you know what is in your kitchen cabinets?
In my experience, the typical kitchen contains the most number of potentially harmful metals and toxins. Lead and other heavy metals have been found in cutting boards, plates, coffee cups, serving utensils, pots and pans and other typical kitchen items. If a ceramic has a chip or crack in the glaze, there is the potential that toxins could be leaching into the food or beverage that you ingest.
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My name is Seth Goldberg and I own an environmental testing and software company, Environmental Services & Solutions Corporation (Essco Safety Check). We specialize in using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers and our own proprietary software to identify and analyze potentially harmful and regulated heavy metals (elements like lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and others) in consumer products, housing and various other materials. Our clients include moms and dads, homeowners, businesses, industries and governments who want to “know what is in their environment.” We have been providing these services since 2007 and have been involved in three national recalls, including taking part in an AP investigation about cadmium in children’s jewelry in January 2010.
The recent recall in children’s OTC products, spurred my concerns that some typical consumer products which are purchased OTC and are routinely used by all consumers, including children and pregnant women, are not considered consumer products and thus are not subject to particular regulations that implore safety and mitigate harm. I can supply specific data and links to all information mentioned above.
You can learn more about our company at www.essco-safetycheck.com
Please let me know if you have any questions.
[1] Steven Gilbert, PhD, DABT
[...] Most people would think that the “products” you and your children use every day in your daily routine are “consumer products”, you know the things we cook, eat and drink with. Most people would think that “products” put in your mouth, given to us or used on us by a hospital while we are patients, are tested for lead and other harmful chemicals. Most people would think that the regulating agencies are fully protecting us and inspecting all “products.” Most people would be wrong! [...]
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