It should not be any surprise that children's lunchboxes should not contain lead. However, in 2005 an investigation by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found that a significant number of children's vinyl (PVC) lunchboxes did, in fact, contain amounts of lead. As the situation unfolded, debate was sparked between the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over how safe a lunchbox containing lead might be.
Summary of the CPSC Findings and Following Action of the FDA
The CPSC's take on the findings were that the amount of lead found in the lunchboxes was minimal, with the highest levels of lead found in the interior of the box. They stated that a child would have to repeatedly put the lunchbox in his mouth to receive any contamination. They argued that food is placed in baggies and containers and therefore would not be exposed to any lead. However, the FDA did not see it that way, and in 2006 they sent a letter to manufacturers of children's school lunchboxes, demanding a cease-and-desist of lead-laden lunchboxes. However, none of the lunchboxes that were already manufactured were recalled or pulled from the shelves and remained in circulation.
The pressing questions for concerned parents become, "What lunchboxes were affected and what is the best lunchbox for my child?" In this particular study, the only bags that raised an alarm were those made of soft, vinyl (PVC). Apparently the lead was added as a paint stabilizer. Though not all vinyl lunch bags tested positive, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has urged parents to replace vinyl lunchboxes with lead-free (non-vinyl) alternatives.
Non-Vinyl Lunchbag Alternatives
On the CEH's website, they provide a non-inclusive list of lead-free alternatives. This list is meant to give parents a starting point in sifting through the sea of lunchboxes available on the store shelves. Some safe alternatives include these options:
- Organic and regular cotton bags
- "Lunchbugs" cloth lunch bags
- CoolTotes insulated bags
- EarthPak bags made from recycled soda bottles
- SIGG Kids Bags
- Lunch Pak by Fleurville
- Laptop Lunch Kit
- byo lunchbag® by BuiltNY
Lead Testing Kits
Parents who aren't ready to rush out and replace their child's lunchbox without knowing whether or not the current one contains lead can opt to test the lunchbox in their home. Most hardware stores sell hand-held lead testing kits. The kit contains a swab to pass over the lunchbox. A color change to bright pink most often indicates the presence of lead. Lunchboxes that test negative for lead should be wiped clean of the swabbing solution before re-using.
Positive Tests for Lead
For parents who find that the box tests positive for lead, it is recommended that they no longer use it. The Center for Environmental Health asks parents to send them these lunchboxes so that they can add them to their study and contact other consumers. Information on where and when the lunchbox was purchased should be included in the package and sent to: Center for Environmental Health, 528 61st Street Suite A, Oakland, CA 94609.
As parents begin to gather those much-needed back-to-school supplies, it is important that they consider the safety of those products. No matter how nutritious the lunch is that is packed, if the lunchbox contains lead there is an alarming health concern. Fortunately, there are many safe, lead-free lunchbox options available.
References:
Center for Environmental Health. Lead in Lunchboxes.
Associated Press. Lead-Laden Lunch Boxes OK'd by the Government. February 2007.
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