Safety is a top concern when it comes to anything involving young children, including graduation apparel and accessories. A CPSC-accepted accredited third party laboratory tested children’s graduation caps, gowns, and tassels from 18 brands currently sold in the United States.
The results showed that Alphabet U’s products are safer than those of other suppliers!
- Alphabet U PASSED all CPSIA Requirements
No toxic chemicals, phthalates, or heavy metals, like lead, were found in any of Alphabet U’s caps, gowns, or tassels.
- 82% of the other brands FAILED CPSIA testing
53% of those brands were found to have at least one component that contained a toxic heavy metal.
CPSIA? What’s That?
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is a law that regulates the safety of consumer products in the United States. It sets safety requirements for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, importers, and private labelers.
- Lead in paint and similar surface coatings
Children’s products must not include more than .01% of total lead content in painted component parts such as zippers, snaps, buttons, or screen printed coatings.
- Total lead content
Children’s products must not include more than .01% of total lead content in accessible component parts, such as zippers, snaps, or buttons.
- Phthalates
The CPSIA restricts the use of toxic chemicals called phthalates to no more than .1% in any accessible component part.
- Third-party testing
The CPSIA requires testing for compliance to applicable safety rules by third-party CPSC-accredited laboratories.
- Certification
Manufacturers and importers of children’s products must include a Children’s Product Certificate that certifies compliance with safety standards when distributing products.
- Tracking labels
Children’s products must include distinguishing, permanent marks on products and packaging that give consumers information about the manufacturer and manufacture date, process, and location.
Are Phthalates and Heavy Metals Really That Bad?
In a word? YES! These toxic substances are harmful to everyone, but they are especially dangerous for children, because they can disrupt normal development in a variety of ways, including:
- Interferingwith hormonal systems
- Damaging nervous systems
- Impacting brain function
- Causing learning disabilities
- Negatively affecting learning and behavior
What Does This All Mean?
It means you can shop for graduation products from Alphabet U with confidence and peace of mind that your kids will not be exposed to harmful toxins and heavy metals.
For more information on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, visit cpsc.gov.