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KiwiCo Soft Rattle Knot Ball
This rattle was included in a KiwiCo box we ordered in 2022. KiwiCo has developed a selection of toy subscription kits catering to kids of different ages and interests, with some excellent options for youngsters interested in STEM. As a stuffed toy, we were curious about its composition. How do you think this example tested?…
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What About Trace Heavy Metals in New Toys?
This is a broad overview of ATSM toy safety standards as they relate to chemical heavy metals testing for coatings and substrates. The standards are copyrighted and periodically updated. The ASTM F963-07 standard was effective and mandatory 180 days after the enactment of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) signed August 2008. 16 CFR…
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Hearth & Hand Magnolia Peeler
This peeler was purchased from Target in 2023. The blade is made from stainless steel and the handle is made from acacia wood. How do you think it tested via XRF? Reading on the Blade: Element of Interest Parts per million (ppm) Error Range None Detected Other Elements Tin (Sn) 146 +/- 21 Chromium (Cr)…
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Target Dollar Spot Garden Kneeler
Do you ever wonder about the dollar spot finds at the front of Target stores? So do we. Do we expect to find more lead 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 Foam…
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KiwiCo Poppy’s Colorful World
Here is a color changing bath book for babies which was included in a recent KiwiCo box we ordered in 2022. KiwiCo has developed a selection of toy subscription kits catering to kids of different ages and interests, with some excellent options for youngsters interested in STEM. As a soft plastic book, we were curious…
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Target Dollar Spot Garden Trowel
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…
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Chuckle & Roar Pop It! Silicone ABC Set
This child’s toy was purchased from Target in 2023. Silicone products may screen positive for trace cadmium when tested with XRF. How do you think it tested? Reading on the Silicone: Element of Interest Parts per million (ppm) Error Range Cadmium (Cd) 6 +/- 2 Antimony (Sb) 15 +/- 4 Other Elements Tin (Sn)* 6…
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Vintage/Antique Hobnail Milk Glass
This milk glass vase used to belong to my grandmother. She owned many fine antique and vintage pieces from the 1950s and earlier. The exact date of manufacture is unknown. We have so very little from my grandmother so this piece is very special to me. How do you think it tested via XRF? Reading…
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What About Trace Heavy Metals in New Toys?
This is a broad overview of ATSM toy safety standards as they relate to chemical heavy metals testing for coatings and substrates. The standards are copyrighted and periodically updated. The ASTM F963-07 standard was effective and mandatory 180 days after the enactment of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) signed August 2008. 16 CFR § 1250.2(a) identifies…
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Are Your Cups and Dishes Made with Lead?
This post is about lead in ceramic dishes and cups. It is also an overview of FDA leach test standards, which limit lead leaching from ceramic ware, and how awareness of lead poisoning has changed over time. Dishes can be very high in lead. Many households still use traditional glazed ceramic ware. We are prone…