CCF tested bags from 44 retailers and found that 16 contained more than 100 parts per million of lead, the level at which many states set the limit for heavy metals in packaging. Among these retailers were several national chains such as CVS, Safeway, Bloom, and Walgreens. The highest level of lead, 697ppm, was found in CVS bags, which has since been recalled. All the reusable bags tested were constructed from nonwoven polypropylene, the most commonly used material in reusable grocery bags, production of which can include heavy metals.
CCF senior research analyst J Justin Wilson said, “Across the country legislators are proposing bills to ban or tax paper and plastic bags, but the unintended consequence of such legislation is that people are using reusable bags, which independent testing shows can often contain excessive levels of lead."
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