CPSC Staff Report on Lead and Cadmium in Children's Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Products

Greenpeace released a study alleging that hazardous levels of lead and cadmium are present in many popular vinyl children's products. The CPSC staff tested a number of the same products for lead and cadmium that were tested by Greenpeace to evaluate the potential for exposure to children, and the risk created by that exposure. CPSC testing and evaluation indicated that the products tested are NOT hazardous.

Although some of the vinyl products identified by Greenpeace and tested by CPSC staff contained lead or cadmium, further CPSC testing and evaluation revealed that hazardous amounts of lead or cadmium were not released from the products. Thus, children would NOT be exposed to hazardous levels of lead or cadmium when the products are handled or used in a reasonably foreseeable manner.

The Commission takes very seriously any claim that children are being harmed by consumer products that contain lead or any other hazardous substance. After the release of the Greenpeace report and the CPSC staff's testing and evaluation, the staff met with Greenpeace representatives to explain the methods that CPSC used to test for lead and cadmium and to evaluate the potential for exposure by children, and the risk created by that exposure.

The Commission staff will continue to seek out and assess information about any potential risk to children from exposures to consumer products, and collect and test children's articles.