It’s a very hot topic right now; lead content in toys and other children’s products. The new Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act that was signed into law in late August states that lead content in the coatings of children’s products be reduced dramatically over the next few years. Specifically, the law now states that the allowable level of lead would be reduced to 600 ppm (parts per million) within 180 days (February, 2009), 300 ppm after one year (August, 2009), and 100 ppm after three years (August, 2011).

What this means for you, the consumer, is that those companies who now exceed governmental standard levels will be forced into compliance within the next 3 years. But, there is good news right now! KidCo gates, because they are certified to more stringent European standards are already LESS THAN 65 ppm! That’s right! At this very moment KidCo safety gates already greatly exceed the allowable minimum lead content set to go into effect by 2011!.

Is KidCo ahead of their time? They always have been; first to introduce metal safety gates to the U.S. 16 years ago, constantly striving for more stringent U.S. testing practices, and the first manufacturer to have products already far below the government regulations regarding lead content.

KidCo takes child safety very seriously and in doing so stretches this commitment beyond safety gates. The newest members of the KidCo product family are Bed Rails, and they too also greatly exceed the future 100ppm goal at under 30ppm. The BabySteps line of home-made baby food accessories is and always has been BPA free-another very hot topic around the world.

BPA, otherwise known as Bisphenol-A is a very hot topic in the baby products industry right now. BPA is used mainly as a building block in producing polycarbonate; which is what most plastic baby bottles are made of. But did you know that BPA is used in many other ways that are not as publicized and yet still very prevalent in our everyday lives?

Can Sealants

Metal food and beverage cans have a thin coating on the interior surface. This coating contains BPA. This sealant is essential to prevent corrosion of the can and contamination of the food and beverages inside. It also helps to prevent canned foods from becoming spoiled by bacteria. In some instances, its used as a sealant on the metal caps on baby food jars, for the same reason.

Dental Sealants

Are you considering a dental sealant for yourself or your child? They are an important tool in preventing tooth decay by providing a protective barrier on the teeth, particularly when used during a child’s formative years. Well, those sealants most likely also contain BPA. Limited research has found that low levels of BPA may be released from certain sealants, although only during a short time period immediately after application of the sealant.

Other uses of BPA

There are many uses of BPA which are designed to enhance the health and safety of children; some of which we access every day and don’t think about. For example, polycarbonate plastic (as stated above) is used to make shatter-resistant bottles and food storage containers. CDs and DVDs, components of life-saving medical devices, incubator domes, lightweight and virtually unbreakable corrective eyeglass lenses, and sports safety equipment such as bicycle helmets all contain some levels of BPA.

Research

There have been many studies done around the world on the leaching and effects of BPA. Most conclude that the amount of BPA needed to cause some of the harmful effects on us and our children, we couldn’t possible consume in a lifetime. Although research results vary, more studies are needed, that is clear. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that potential human exposure to BPA is more than 400 times lower than the maximum acceptable dose for BPA of 0.05 mg/kg body weight/day.

In summary, BPA is present in our everyday lives but in the case of our newborn and infant children we are most aware because of accessories we use to feed them (polycarbonate bottles). As parents we try to eliminate all the hazards we can from our children’s’ lives and at KidCo we feel the same way. That’s why our complete line of BabySteps Natural Feeding products is not made from polycarbonate and therefore does not contain BPA.