HOT TOPIC A new look at old problems
getting the lead out
New regulations have manufacturers lowering the lead amounts found in some kids' products. Find out why— and what you need to know about it.
By Erinn Morgan
Got lead? New government regulations are out to make sure that children's eyeglass cases and accessories don't.
This movement began when a 2007 consumer revolt against too-high levels of lead in children's toys—and a massive recall of over 26 million toys—spawned the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Now making its presence known in the optical industry this act targets products such as cases, chains, goggles, and other accessories sold to kids 12 and younger. Children's optical frames, which are deemed a medical device and are thus regulated by the FDA, are not covered by this act.
The first phase of the act, which limited lead amounts in children's products to 600 parts per million (ppm), went into effect in August 2008. One year later in August 2009 the lead limit was dropped to 300ppm. A final phase of this act may require these products to contain lead in levels no higher than 100ppm by August 2011.
“These products now have to be in compliance,” says Eve Zartman-Ball, senior director of Public Affairs and Advocacy at The Vision Council. “They have to be tested and labeled with a link that refers to a database that shows where and when they were manufactured.” Each product will also feature a certificate of compliance showing that it has passed the necessary testing for lead levels.
RARE BUT AWARE
Industry experts agree that getting the lead out of children's cases and accessories is not a major problem, since very low levels, if any, currently exist in quality products.
“I've conducted more than a thousand tests for lead content in eyewear,” says Joel Sodano, a consultant to the optical industry and an expert on lead testing for eyewear. “I have found that evidence of lead in eyewear is rare. Interestingly, lower price points don't seem to have any higher incidence of failure than higher price points.”
Still, many distributors have had to work with their manufacturers to find alternatives to lead in paints and soldering as well as get testing, certification, and a database set up for these products.
On getting the lead out of products, Mike Hundert, CEO of REM Eyewear, which holds the license for Barbie from Mattel, says, “It hasn't been a really big deal. Where we find a problem, solutions are available.”
In addition, The Vision Council is working hard to ensure both its members and non-members are getting all the information they need on this new regulation. “We first want to make sure all the industry's products are safe,” says Zartman Ball, “and that all our members are in compliance and not being hit for minor infractions.”
HEAVY METAL
Why is lead such an issue? A neurotoxic metal that concentrates in the brain, lead has long been on the watch list for both parents and adults concerned about their health. Lead use in household paints (as a pigment) was banned in 1978 when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission lowered allowable levels to 0.06 percent.
Lead poisoning can have serious affects on both children and adults. In children, it can cause irreversible brain damage and retard mental and physical development. Early symptoms, even in adults, may include persistent tiredness, irritability, loss of appetite, and insomnia.
While current standards peg lead poisoning at 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, a new study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center suggests that even levels lower than this are a health threat. The study found that very low levels of lead (even as low as 1.5 micrograms) may impact kidney function in healthy children.
Again, at very low levels, lead has also been shown to retard fetal development. The Minority Cord Blood Report from the Environmental Working Group, which tested the umbilical cord blood from newborns, found lead present in all babies tested. This is a result of mothers ingesting or breathing in lead from a variety of sources. FB
Q&A with the ExpertsWhat do ECPs need to know about these new regulations? Since customers may be concerned about lead in the products they are buying for their children, dispensers can benefit from understanding the health issues involved with lead plus the basics of the new regulation and how consumers can tap into the database that shows their purchased product is in compliance. Here, we check in with some of the industry's lead experts to get a handle on the future of this heavy metal in eyewear. How prevalent is lead in eyewear in general? — Ed Greene, CEO, The Vision Council ■ “Lead in quality ophthalmic eyewear is virtually a non-issue. If high levels were to show up in any way, it would probably be found in the paint or coatings on the eyeglass frame.” — Jamie Shyer, COO, Zyloware and former chairman of The Vision Council's Eyewear & Accessory Division Where does it show up most frequently in eyewear? — Jamie Shyer, COO, Zyloware How will the products be tested? — Joel Sodano, a consultant to the optical industry and an expert on lead testing for eyewear ■ “There are many accredited and approved labs worldwide. And, each and every shipment must be tested. Once the frames have been approved, we periodically retest.” — Jennifer Coppel, manager of product design and development, ClearVision Optical How will the product database work? — Eve Zartman-Ball, senior director, Public Affairs & Advocacy, The Vision Council ■ “All related products have to have the manufacturer's name, the product's lot number, and the database website printed on the product. Here, customers can view detailed information about their product, including the lead testing lab results. Ours is located as a link off our main website, www.CVOptical.com. It's not been so difficult to maintain because there aren't millions of lot numbers.” —Jennifer Coppel, manager of product design and development, ClearVision Optical Is this similar to the industry's issues with nickel in eyewear? — Jamie Shyer, COO, Zyloware |