Image Source: The New York Times

BY JAYNE HENSON

The news of high lead levels in reusable grocery bags may soon make these savvy shopping items eco-frenemies. Tampa Tribune reporter Richard Mullins examines the controversy.

“Winn-Dixie officials said they have an ‘opportunity to improve’ after Tribune tests showed bags exceeded federal limits for paint…U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission allows 300 parts per million of lead in children's products…in August, that level will fall to 100. And any paint on consumer products can contain no more than 90 parts per million.”

The Tribune’s tested bags ranged anywhere from 117 to 194 parts per million. After explaining why some are surprised these bags are possibly dangerous, New York Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) broke into what is becoming a familiar national chorus: Blame China. New York’s WCBS reports Schumer is calling for a federal investigation.

REPORTER: “But Schumer says maybe we shouldn’t be (surprised) given where the bags are made.”
SCHUMER: “China. A country that has flaunted safety when it comes to American imports over and over.”

But don’t worry- you won’t be eating a dash of lead in your cheerios. The Director of Media Publix Supermarkets explains to NBC-affiliate KSHB- the levels of lead meet current industry guidelines. Still, Mullins says some will find reason to be cautious.

“The lab that did the test told this reporter that the material doesn’t seem to flake off easily. MULLINS: It’s not as if you put a banana in this and suddenly it’s gonna come out covered in lead. REPORTER: But over time when fibers start to wear down, there could be concern. MULLINS: It can cause learning disabilities in children. It can cause fertility problems in adults. And there are some health advocates that believe there is no safe level of lead. Lead in and of itself is toxic.”

But it seems some are not discouraged by this seeming blow to the green movement. As The New York Times suggests, there may not be an urgency to get the lead out. The article quotes an alternative energy consultant.

‘‘The fluorescent bulbs we have now, they’re no good because they have mercury in them. You look at it as a transition.’”

So…paper or plastic?