#United States #Washington #CPSC #Faucets #Lead Exposure

CPSC Issues Urgent Recall for Certain Chinese-Made Faucets

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently issued a critical warning urging consumers to cease using specific bathroom and kitchen faucets sold via Amazon.com. The issue arises from the alarming discovery that these faucets may leach lead into drinking water, posing severe health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, and pregnant women. Lead exposure can have detrimental neurological effects, including behavioral issues and impaired cognitive development.

In an effort to protect public health, the CPSC has directed users to stop using these faucets immediately and to dispose of them safely. This advisory follows an enforcement sweep targeting hazardous faucets manufactured in China, highlighting a pressing concern about the quality and safety of imported consumer products.

CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman stated, "CPSC is taking extraordinary steps to protect Americans from toxic faucets that threaten our children. This Commission will not hesitate to warn Americans when necessary. We remain focused on tackling the significant threat that hazardous goods from China pose to American consumers."

Faucets Identified as Hazardous

The faucets identified by the CPSC include:

• - VESLA HOME Kitchen Faucet (from VESLA HOME)
• - KZH Bathroom Faucet (from Yajie Sanitaryware)
• - CEINOL Bathroom Faucet (from CEINOL-USA)
• - Rainsworth Bathroom Faucet (from Le Chang SANITARY)

All of these products were found to contain lead in quantities considered dangerous, particularly for young children and expectant mothers. Priced between $30 and $70, these faucets often lack adequate branding or safety certifications, making it challenging for consumers to identify them.

Steps for Consumers

The CPSC urges anyone who purchased these faucets to check their orders on Amazon promptly. If an individual currently has one of these faucets installed, they should take immediate action to stop using it. In the interim, before replacement, it’s advisable to run the water for at least 15 seconds before consuming it.

Additionally, consumers can take several precautionary measures:
1. Look for Compliance: Choose faucets complying with NSF/ANSI Standard 61, which outlines safety criteria regarding lead and contaminants.
2. Flushing the System: Regularly flush your faucets for 15 seconds before first use in the morning and after long periods of inactivity to reduce lead contact.
3. Cold Water Use: Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula, as boiling will not eliminate lead.
4. Regular Maintenance: Clean or replace the faucet's aerator regularly to ensure sediment and contaminants are minimized.
5. Water Testing: Contact your local health department or water provider for water testing information and check the EPA's guidelines for safe drinking water.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The CPSC is committed to upholding public safety and will continue monitoring and enforcing actions against companies that fail to prioritize consumer health. If consumers notice any adverse effects or defects related to these faucets, they are encouraged to report them to the CPSC through their official reporting channel, SaferProducts.gov.

As a reminder, any products under a CPSC recall, either mandated or voluntary, are prohibited from being sold until suitable actions have been taken to correct the issues at hand.

For more resources and information on product safety, consumers can visit CPSC.gov or sign up for their email alerts to stay informed about potential hazards associated with consumer goods. The CPSC remains dedicated to eliminating products that jeopardize public safety, ensuring these types of incidents are addressed promptly and effectively.