The Dangers of Second-Hand Items

With so many people looking for ways to cut corners, the pediatric experts at Dayton Children's are concerned that some parents who are trying to save money might be buying cheaper, second-hand items that can actually be dangerous to their children.

According to the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) resellers are now allowed to sell or offer for sale:

Products that have been recalled by CPSC.

• Toys and other articles intended for use by children, and any furniture, with paint or other surface coatings containing lead over specified amounts.
• Products primarily intended for children age 12 or younger with lead content over a specific amount.
• Certain toys or child care articles that contain any one of six prohibited chemicals known as phthalates, which are primarily used as plasticizers.
• Other products that violate CPSC’s safety standards, bans, rules or regulations or otherwise present a substantial product hazard.

For details about each of these items you can download the Handbook for Resale Stores and Product Resellers which was created by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help sellers of used products understand the new law and existing regulations.