Reusable Grocery Bags Spark New Health Scare

CHERRY HILL, NJ (CBS) -- Each trip to the grocery store is a chance for Amy Carthy to use her collection of reusable bags.

"I hate the accumulation of plastic bags in my house," laughed Carthy.

She bought the bags four years ago, and stopped using plastic ever since. But now the bags that were touted as environmentally friendly have an environmental problem of their own.

"It's ironic," Carthy noted. "You're doing it for the environment and of course it's not healthy."

A national study from TEI Analytics of 82 reusable bags found 20 bags exceeded most states' legal limit for lead in packaging. The results have gotten national attention.

Senator Charles Schumer, (D) New York, vowed to have the Consumer Product Safety Commission investigate.

Experts warn the lead, found mostly in paint on the bags, can flake off and get into groceries. And the bags can hurt the environment when thrown out.

"That's annoying," said Janet Johnson. "You should know what you're getting."

Wegmans warned customers in September that two of their reusable bags have too much lead.

In a statement, the company said, "You may continue to use the bags, but when you are ready to dispose of these two designs, return them to the service desk for replacement. We will take care of proper disposal."

Most of the bags with high lead content were made in China.

Reported By: Oren Liebermann, CBS 3