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One such study study, released by TEI Analytical, found unhealthy levels of lead in half of the "non-woven polypropylene (NWPP)" bags they tested. Some of the bags tested were found to contain more than 100 parts per million of toxic heavy metals! (The CPSC's limit for paint on consumer products is 90 ppm). The chains tested in the TEI study included Walgreens, Harris Teeter, Rite-Aid & CVS. An investigation in Florida by the Tampa Tribune found lead in reusable bags for many supermarket & discount stores, including Target & Walmart.
Does the lead in these bags pose an immediate risk? Clearly, in the manufacture of these bags, workers & the environment is exposed to lead...which is no good. Should you stop using these bags?? The paint on the bags could potentially flake off and pose a danger if consumed. If food is carried in these bags, there is the potential for the lead to be absorbed by the food, especially fresh food that comes in direct contact with the flaking paint or frayed threads, and then for whoever consumes the food would be exposed to the lead.
And of course, if the bag is disposed, the lead in the bag would seep into the environment (and into our water, soil, etc...). No good indeed.
Personally, I prefer to use cloth bags rather than the 'non-woven poly propylene' ones because cloth bags can be washed easily if anything gnarly (or especially meat-related) happens to spill in the bag. (Such spills can be a risk of E.coli or other cross-contamination.) My fav, of course, is my EcoParents organic canvas tote!
Want to read more? Check out these links to recent news articles:
- USA Today article, 11/15/10
- New York Times article, 11/14/10
- Tampa Tribune article, republished 11/14/10
- Daily Caller Article, 11/12/10
What are YOU going to do with your reusable plastic bags?
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