According to Healthystuff.org, jewelry, handbags and accessories are “the most likely to contain elevated levels of hazardous chemicals when compared with all other product categories tested”. Together with the Center for Environmental Health- California, they screened plastic bags and wallets using an x-ray fluorescence analyzer, and detected lead in 75% of them. A lot of it: up to 90 times higher than the federal lead paint standard. 

 

Why You Should Be Concerned

Lead is a metal that poses very serious dangers to our health. Exposure to lead has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, high blood pressure and higher rates of infertility in women by the EPA and other agencies.  It also reduces cognitive function, a term used to describe one’s ability to complete mental tasks like recalling something heard recently.

So, stay away from vinyl and faux leather accessory bags of all colors. Opt for a wallet or handbag made of natural materials instead. To see specific pictures of lead-contaminated bags and wallets, click here.