Any contacts for XRF testing?

[Former_Member]

I'm having a hard time just locating someone to do XRF testing on my fabrics, trims,etc; thesmartmama seems to be overloaded with work.

[Superflykidz]

Check your local children's toy stores. I called one and they said they'd zap my stuff with their rented XRF gun for free :) They also suggested I call the Ecology Center in my area who is doing free testing as well....

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much! Google wasn't getting me anywhere, and I'd rather go local if I could.

[Superflykidz]

You might also want to check your craft store, etc. to see if they're renting one.... just think about who would need to rent on and see if you can get in on it. Some may charge you a fee, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper than renting one yourself. You might also try to contact other crafters in your area - some groups are renting one together (10 people = $50 ea.).... good luck!

[Former_Member]

Great! As with most crafters, I want to be as legit as possible; this type of expense shouldn't do any business in.

[Former_Member]

Great information, I was getting a bit discouraged. I hope I can find someone.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the tip Superfly!

[Former_Member]

Anyone in New England, this toy seller has rented one and is offereing reasonable rates by the hour to anyone that can get to his shop. Contact through his blog http://www.challengeandfun.typepad.com/

[Former_Member]

I know the Wal-mart in our town isn't renting a XRF gun, I asked a friend who works at the store...

I also talk to a friend who owns the only craft store in my town a couple of weeks ago and she didn't even know about the law.

She said until she is notified about the law and about that changes she is going to have to make, she was not going to do anything different.

She also said that everything in her shop is American Made, she sells craft supplies and her finished product that she makes are usually sold to highschooler for homecoming.

She also stated when she finally gets notified she would contact her lawyer and decide what to do at that time, till then it will be business as usual.

[Former_Member]

I think I would test my stuff, if I could find someone in town doing it for free.

I think I will contact a few city and government offices in town to see if anyone is doing testing with XRF gun.

If there is no free or cheap testing in town, I am going to wait and hope that the law get repealed.... or the exemption they list will cover most of my stuff.

If not I am going to have to make all new stuff from the exemption they finally do list.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, allthenumbers. I noticed the results of your testing, and feel very confident about my own fabrics, but some trims and especially buttons (I make my own with the metal shank) could be suspect. I'm in New England and just emailed the toy seller to see where his shop is.

[susanstreasures]

So if you get it tested using one of those guns, who certified you? What is your proof of testing?

[bobbinalong]

So we introduce another "dangerous" item into our "most dangerous" world of handmade. Have these guns been tested for safety? Did they pass? What if a child was too close to one? What is their danger even to a parent?

Ridiculous!!! Your parents and some of you grew up wearing the vintage, the buttons, the lead jewelry, playing with the lead toys, I'm sure. Are we over-protecting ourself out of reality?

[Former_Member]

I'm so caught up in the seaswirl of this crazy law, but obviously haven't thought everything through. Not sure who would if there would be any certification by someone renting an XRF gun, maybe just my conscience would be certified.

[Former_Member]

Hey bobbinalong - read another recent thread of yours - you're not giving in to testing - Hmmm, more to think about.

[bobbinalong]

I can't afford the testing. I couldn't get to the testing site unless it on my way to the grocery. I will just pull my items. But I will continue to fight this thing because I personally believe it is so wrong. So absolutely wrong.

[Former_Member]

good tips

[StitchedForKids]

If my materials are not exempt, I was thinking about calling the local universities to see if they had a gun or knew of any local. I'm also going to look into how to become certified and do the testing.

I do believe we will prevail tho!

[Former_Member]

What about the certificate??

[Former_Member]

You create the certificate yourself.

[Former_Member]

What about here in the UK?
I USE LOADS OF EMBELLISHMENTS AND FABRICS!

[Former_Member]

The xrf testing is only good until August and then you have to be third party tested in a lab (according the law as it stands right now).

[germandolls]

Good point, Bobbinalong! I heard the guns are dangerous! After all it is an x-ray techinique! Please make sure whoever uses them wear a lead vest! Oh no! LEAD! I am freaking out!

[germandolls]

Here is what bobbinalong said:

"So we introduce another "dangerous" item into our "most dangerous" world of handmade. Have these guns been tested for safety? Did they pass? What if a child was too close to one? What is their danger even to a parent?

Ridiculous!!! Your parents and some of you grew up wearing the vintage, the buttons, the lead jewelry, playing with the lead toys, I'm sure. Are we over-protecting ourself out of reality?"