A California-based consumer watchdog, The Center for Environmental Health—CEH—found high levels of lead in purses and handbags—most were made in China.

In a landmark legal agreement, two retailers, New York & Company, and H&M, and two suppliers Tri-Coastal Designs and Haddad Accessories, have agreed to set limits on the amount of lead found in products sold in their stores.

Last year, a federal standard was set for the limits of allowable lead in children’s toys and products, after a scandal following tainted toys, most of which were also made in China. However, no such standard exists for purses and handbags.

Lead is a known carcinogen and exposure to it has been linked to higher rates of infertility in women and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and other health problems.

In a sample of some of the contaminated purses, weathering is causing more lead to rub off, making them more dangers as they age.