Summary
The CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) was enacted by Congress in 2008 as enhance protection for children from harmful chemicals like lead and phthalates.
The CPSIA improved the already-existing CPSA (Consumer Product Safety Act), which was enacted in 1972 to develop safety standards, enhance recalls, and add funding for product safety measures.
The CPSIA includes provisions addressing lead, phthalates, toy safety, durable infant or toddler products, third-party testing and certification, tracking labels, imports, civil and criminal penalties, and SaferProducts.gov – a publicly searchable database of reports of harm.
What’s a Phthalate?
Phthalates (pronounced tha-lates) are used mainly as plasticizers and solvents. They have been known to cause health problems and have a negative environmental impact, which is why they are regulated.
What are the Current CPSIA Rules for Lead?
For a general substrate or textile ink that bonds with the fiber, the rule is 100 ppm limit. If the ink may be scraped off the substrate it must comply with the lead in paint requirements, which is 90 ppm.
What are the Current CPSIA Rules for Phthalates?
Any children’s toy or childcare article that contains concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of the following phthalates is prohibited:
- di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
- dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
- diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
- diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
- di-n-pentyl phthalate (DPENP)
- di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHEXP/DnHP)
- dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)
Where Can You Buy CPSIA Compliant Fabrics?
TVF carries several CPSIA compliant stock fabrics that can be used for wall pads, gym/athletic mats, punching bags, inflatables, athletic dummies, gym floor covers, ball field covers, swing set canopies, bags, custom cases, ski lift seat pads, no-slip gym mat backing, and more. The 2 most popular CPSIA compliant fabrics are: