CPSC said that its own testing did not show a likelihood of harm from exposure to lead in any of the bibs. Nevertheless, the agency said that because pieces of old, deteriorated bibs with lead might be able to flake off and be swallowed, parents and caregivers were advised to discard bibs that are in poor condition to avoid any potential exposure to lead. CPSC’s statement and test data are available here at its website.

The Institute said reports on the levels of lead found in the bibs did not make clear whether lead was a contaminant or was added deliberately.

“Lead does not need to be used in babies’ bibs,” said Tim Burns, president of the Vinyl Institute. “You don’t need lead to make vinyl, and most vinyl products don’t contain lead.”

VI plans to meet with CPSC to discuss possible actions to educate the public, retailers, importers and manufacturers.

“This is a lead issue, not a vinyl issue,” Burns said. “It appears that although lead may not have been added deliberately, it made its way into products from some environmental or workplace source. It is critical for manufacturers, importers and retailers globally to work together to set and enforce policies to address these concerns.”

Vinyl has been used safely for decades in consumer, medical, automotive, building and other products. VI advocates the responsible manufacture and life-cycle assessment of vinyl.

VI is the U.S. trade association for leading vinyl resin manufacturers.