Chemicals all around us :(

So my husband, sweet man that he is, recently got me a gift. It’s a purse/laptop bag and is really pretty and just my style. I was exploring the bag and its pockets and features when my eyes happened upon the tag. Here’s what it said: “California Proposition 65: This Product Contains Chemicals Known To The State of California to Cause Cancer, or Birth Defects, or Other Reproductive Harm.” Right under that it said, "This product complies with all state and federal product safety standards." Really? Isn’t that scary, to think that a product can contain those chemicals but still comply with state and federal safety standards?

On the one hand, I’m happy they’re disclosing the fact that the bag has harmful chemicals. On the other hand, it just seems absurd that they don’t get rid of those chemicals. I mean, I knew many of the things we buy and own have harmful chemicals in them, but to see it written in plain language on a product, and to know that they still sell it….it just doesn’t make good sense to me.

Interestingly, before I read the tag, I thought nothing of the harsh, chemical smell that was coming from the bag. After I read the tag, I realized how strong it smelled. That strong smell, not very different from the strong smell released by paint, or new cars, or new carpet, and even many clothes, is indicative of chemicals that are added to things to give them properties that are more appealing to customers.

So now I’m not sure what to do with the bag. Will all the chemicals off-gas if I leave it alone for a while? Would wiping it down with some vinegar and/or soap help a little? For now I put it out on the balcony and will leave it there. I heard that sun and fresh air help some, but may not remove all the chemicals. I guess I’ll just wait and see if the chemical smell goes away, and I’ll also wipe it down with some vinegar and water afterwards.