Ferndale Tests for Toxic Toys and Other Products

It could be that favorite toy that Santa left - that came all the way from China - or the cat's favorite mouse, or any number of things around the house. It could be something you use every day, like the kitchen cutting board or that set of plates you got such a great deal on at the outlet mall.

Somewhere, in the dark recesses of your mind, the nagging question comes at you in the middle of the night: How safe are these items, and could they end up on the next list of toxic products on tomorrow's news?

Well, put your mind to rest once and for all. Have them tested by joining the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission (FESC), so you can take part in events like the one held this week on Dec 14 to test those very items for consumer safety. In connection with the Michigan Network for Children's Environment Health, the FESC has experts test all suspicious products with a special device to detect lead, arsenic and mercury - with immediate results.

Not only will the valuable information of toxicity be provided, but also the locations where similar items are sold, to avoid future purchases.

While others are waiting, the FESC asks that only three items at a time be tested.

This is part of the group's Green Tuesday Seminar Series, which gives residents important information. These are held at the Gerry Kulick Community Center at 1201 Livernois on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.. The testing is free to the public - including non-residents.

For more information of future events and testing, call the FESC hotline at 248-709-9301.

http://www.ferndale-mi.com/Community/EnvironmentalInformation.htm