We all know of the large business moving in to town and putting the small "mom and pop" store out of business.  Well the modern day version of is has been playing out since last year. 

Large business' that manufacture children's items out of country and have failed to meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards on lead and phthalates has now begun to put small business' selling homemade items identified to be in use for children 12 and younger out of business (those donating items will find that their items are in question as well). 

In this day with jobs so hard to come by homemade sales could be a family's source of income, not just a little bit extra money for the family.  

While children’s safety is of everyone’s main concern, is it necessary to make selling homemade items that use items already tested by the original manufacture to continue with their certification.  If the items are bought at the local craft or chain store, after February 2010 it should already have its certification.  Melting crayons to up cycled and sold should not add lead and phthalates if all items in the process are certified lead and phthalates free by the original manufacture.  Yarn made into blankets, booties, clothes are subject to testing if embellished with a simple button or ribbon. 

Should at home mothers, grandmothers, et cetera trying to bring in some more income for themselves or their families punished by not having the income to do the appropriate tests that the manufacture of the items used in their small crafts and projects should have already completed themselves?