Lead Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, April 10, 2023 

Last month, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of a brand of children’s bamboo plates that were sold by a retailer at its stores in Florida, Chicago and in the Northeast. The bamboo plates come in four shapes and were sold from October 2021 through August of last year.

The plates were manufactured in China and imported by a company in Massachusetts. According to the recall notice, the bamboo plates have elevated levels of lead and formaldehyde. It warns that both lead and formaldehyde are toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects. Consumers with the recalled plates are advised to immediately take the plates away from children and to stop using them.

“These plates, designed to appeal to children with shapes such as a bunny and a bear, have parents concerned as elevated levels of lead and formaldehyde on a plate used to eat off by small children could cause a serious health risk,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Lead levels can build up in children over time so it’s important they are not being exposed to this toxic metal. Exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde is also a major concern as the Department of Health and Human Services determined back in 2011 that formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen.”

Companies that import, distribute and retail products from overseas need to be aware of the importance of testing these items before they reach consumers. In the United States and Canada, these companies can turn to the consumer product testing experts at EMSL Analytical. They offer material and product testing for lead, formaldehyde and many other regulated substances. These services protect consumers and help to prevent costly product recalls, not to mention the expensive litigation that is frequently associated with these types of events.

To learn more about lead, formaldehyde or other consumer product, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.