CPSIA testing - making it affordable for you

[#1]

Hi All,

My name is Kristie and I am a chemist. All this uproar about the CPSIA and how expensive it is to get testing done has lead me to open my own lab - one that makes it affordable to handcrafter! I am in the beginning stages of opening, and it will be a few months before I am accredited for lead and phthalate testing.

However, I would like input from the Etsy community on how to make the testing fit into your budget. Having several friends who are handcrafters and have sites on Etsy, it deeply saddens me to see Etsy shops closing due to CPSIA compliance testing. My goal is to help YOU. Also note that a portion of my profits will be donated to a children's charity (although I have not decided which one yet).

What services would you like to see from my lab? How can I make this affordable to you? Are you even interested in such a lab?

Please give me some honest feedback. Thanks!
Kristie Armstrong, Ph.D.

[Former_Member]

So far, only items intended for children under age 13 and items involved in child care are included in the testing requirements.

[Former_Member]

I would like to see xrf if available because it is cheaper than digestive. Although I'm not sure xrf will meet the lowest limit that they are trying to reach.

Component testing would be great, the data base idea is great, however, what if you don't test because you already ran a previous test and that one widget happens to be a bad one but you pass it through? Just food for thought.

I don't have an etsy shop I'm independent. However, my problem is screen printing apparel. How will screen printers certify their prints? Will it be up to them to test the product or will it be me the person who ends up with the finished product?

Why can't the inks just be tested by the ink manufacturers? Why can't they adjust their msds sheets to meet the new standards? What about those of us that don't mass produce? I think those that print for example one color and have in house printing have complete control over the inks that are purchased. That testing fee is cheaper. The more ink a graphic has the more testing of each color that needs to be done. Also, you have to take into consideration the blending of the inks once it is printed to the fabric.

It's going to be very difficult on screen printed products. Many questions without answers!

[Former_Member]

marking

[1286Kids]

marking :)

[millcreekcottages]

marking

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

marking

[WeBlingItOnBoutique]

Since when is screen printing ink not tested? At least in our state it has always had to meet a standard. Ink has been lead free for some time now as I recall.

[Former_Member]

Well, I am very sensitive when it comes to such questions, and I hardly know how to handle it yet, as I have just started, not making things, but selling them. My main materials are yarn, plastic beads and fabric... so if that means I could send in a material sample and get it "okay-ed", that would be great.

Then again, I am never sure if I am possibly overreacting on such things... after all, I am working with regular material that everybody can buy in a regular shop... but I certainly do not want anybody to be harmed by means of buying my items...!!

[LeafandYard]

As far as I know, component testing is not acceptable under the terms of this law. It's crazy, because the crafting process does not alter the chemical make-up of the components, but as the law is written, that doesn't matter. The finished product must be tested in its entirety. That also means if you have an item made from exempt-from-testing materials and materials that require testing, they have to test the whole thing just not the one part of it.

It is also my understand that other forms of testing are not acceptable because they may, or may not, comply with the same standards as the new law. This means that if the inks are tested, but they're not tested under the specific parameters of this law (by an accredited third-party facility), it doesn't count, unless those inks are on the exempt from testing list.

[WeBlingItOnBoutique]

I think it is interesting that people are now coming out of the woodwork claiming that they are the answer to your prayer. Oh and don't forget they are going to charge you for it. Sorry to be so Debbie Downer but I see this post as nothing more than someone trying to feed off of the fear that is happening because of this silly law. If you do a quick search you will see that there are already people out there claiming they can test your stuff for cheap.

[happywhosits]

Right now the important testing for me would be lead content in things like buttons and other fasteners, and phthalate testing.

Please note that CPSA has yet to approve component testing.

I also believe a lab has to be separately accreditted for each type of testing by CPSA. Most accreditted labs are outside the US today.

[SkyviewClay]

I just hope some type is testing is approved that will not destroy my work. Otherwise, it's useless. I still think it is crazy that I have to test paints that are already non-toxic and are still being sold in my elementary art catalogs that I purchase supplies from for my students. Go figure. :)

[Former_Member]

marking!

[Former_Member]

marking it for later reading

[Former_Member]

I make fairy wings and I am concerned about the wire. I will want to test the wire but dont know because I must need to test all kinds of 14 gage wires? I also need to test elastic because as long as I know the fabric can be use without problem and the ribbons too...but the elastic, nylon and wire is my real concern. What do you suggest?