Disclaimer

This site is intended for peer-to-peer educational purposes only and is neither legal advice nor an official government site. If you have questions about how to comply with the CPSIA please consult a lawyer.

Questions?

If you have a CPSIA question you'd like us to answer please send it to info [at] whatisthecpsia [dot] com and we'll do our best to include it on the site.

Can I see some examples of what tracking labels look like?

Here is a collection of links where you can see a wide variety of tracking label solutions.

How can you determine the printing date of a book?

Some books contain a printing date either in the front or back of the book. Sometimes there is a date on the dust jacket. Generally speaking, books have not been required to include this information and it has not always been included.
Now that children’s books are required to have a tracking label, new books printed [...]

What parts of a book might contain lead?

Traditionally bound books are made of paper products, thread, and glue. Some books are bound with staples. Non-traditional books may contain a variety of components including plastic, textiles, or metal. While not an inclusive list, lead may be found in these components:
ink,
metal or plastic spiral bindings
staples
painted surfaces
screen printed surfaces
plastic components
vinyl
felt
adhesives
Tweet This Post Facebook [...]

Are libraries required to test their books for lead?

Yes and no. The testing requirement depends on the printing date. Books printed before 1985 may contain lead in the ink. At this point in time, the CPSC has recommended that libraries wait for further guidance on how to handle their pre-1985 collections.
Current testing recommendations would destroy library collections and XRF testing is recommended only [...]

Do children’s books need lead testing?

Yes and no. The CPSC has recommended that books printed before 1985 be tested for lead because printing inks up till that date may have contained lead. Books printed after 1985 generally do not contain lead and have been exempted from 3rd party certified lead testing under certain conditions.
Regardless of printing date, novelty books, books [...]