Do you ever wonder about the dollar spot finds at the front of Target stores? So do we. Do we expect to find more toxic heavy metals in a product when prices are low? Not necessarily! This item was available in the spring of 2023.
How do you think it tested via XRF?
Reading on the Green Metal:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| None Detected | +/- | |
| Other Elements | +/- | |
| Tin (Sn) | 64 | +/- 12 |
| Barium (Ba) | 19,899 | +/- 923 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 6,927 | +/- 445 |
| Copper (Cu) | 232 | +/- 59 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 9,051 | +/- 442 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 305,206 | +/- 2,755 |
| Zirconium (Zr) | 430 | +/- 22 |
| Niobium (Nb) | 672 | +/- 37 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1,811 | +/- 37 |
| Iron (Fe) | 365,762 | +/- 10,917 |
| Vanadium (V) | 59,291 | +/- 964 |
| Tungsten (W) | 347 | +/- 126 |
| Platinum (Pt) | 154 | +/- 76 |
| Cobalt (Co) | 15,946 | +/- 648 |
Reading on the Black Plastic Cap:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 13 | +/- 2 |
| Arsenic (As) | 32 | +/- 1 |
| Antimony (Sb) | 15 | +/- 6 |
| Other Elements | ||
| Barium (Ba) | 326 | +/- 35 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 12 | +/- 3 |
| Copper (Cu) | 11 | +/- 4 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 120 | +/- 4 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 652 | +/- 89 |
| Bromine (Br) | 29 | +/- 1 |
| Iron (Fe) | 253 | +/- 10 |
The sample was tested in consumer goods TestAll mode using a Niton XL3t 700S for 60 seconds. Multiple readings were taken and a representative example is shown. Results are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Test Summary:
The metal part of the trowel is non-detect for elements of interest.
The black plastic cap tested positive for very trace arsenic, lead, and antimony. The level of lead is within federal limits for children’s products (under 90-100 ppm) although this product is not intended for children and not subject to these regulations.
We noticed there is also detectable trace bromine. Although the levels of these elements detected in the item are very trace, we thought it might be interesting for our readers to know that when a new plastic product contains high levels of lead, bromine, and antimony (much higher than the amounts detected in this sample), those elements may be present due to the use of recycled e-waste. This issue affects certain types of recycled plastic products. The Eco Center found several types of toxic heavy metals in recycled plastic Marie Gras beads consistent with e-waste in 2019; you may find their data interesting. Most plastic will be non-detect for these elements, with the exception of antimony in PET plastic.
Although trace elements of concern were detected, we don’t have a concern with trace levels in this type of product. The black plastic cap pops off so you always have the option to use the trowel by itself.
We think this is a good product by a reputable company.
We Prefer:
Although garden trowels and other garden tools can contain lead, our concern is minimal simply because the item is used outside and people are expected to wash their hands after working outdoors. If you want to reduce the risk of buying a garden tool with added lead, we recommend looking for brands and products sold in national stores, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, that do not carry a Prop 65 warning. These products are less likely to test positive for high amounts of lead. For general purchases we might suggest avoiding brightly painted metal, but there is significant variability when testing these kinds of products.
Garden Tools We Recommend:
Disclosure: These are Amazon affiliate links. By shopping for any item on Amazon starting with our links, you help support our business and testing.
This dollar spot item can be purchased directly at Target and is available as of March 2023. However, they rotate their inventory in the section quickly, so if you see this item in store, grab it! The other items we have selected below are unlikely to contain high amounts of lead. We selected choices made with low risk materials, like stainless steel.
Prudance Creative Calibration Gardening Yard Stainless Steel Trowel Shovel Spade 11″
Why we like it: Here is an affordable stainless steel trowel. Sometimes leather cording can contain lead but we don’t have a concern in this type of product.
(2 Pack) Fiskars FiberComp 11″ Trowel
Why we like it: These garden tools are made of a durable nylon fiberglass composite by Fiskars.
These items have not always been personally tested by us but are likely to be lead free or low lead and/or cadmium based on our research into the materials, discussions with manufacturers, and/or testing on similar products. We recommend items we would use ourselves.
We provide our XRF testing for general educational or informational use only, to help consumers identify low lead and lead-free products. We disclaim any and all warranties, expressed or implied, and assume no duty or responsibility with respect to how any person or entity uses the information on this website.