---

---

Stork approved to conduct lead testing on children's products to CPSC 16 C.F.R. 1303

ST. PAUL, MN - December 8, 2008

Stork laboratories in Minnesota and other locations are taking steps to ensure approvals are in place to test materials and products to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements as published in the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) in Title 16, Part 1303, "Ban of Lead-Containing Paint and Certain Consumer Products Bearing Lead-Containing Paint."

Stork Twin City Testing General Manager Michiel Graswinckel said, "The requirement states that any children's product manufactured after December 22, 2008, will be subject to lead paint testing. This applies to paint or any kind of ink, coating, or glaze on cribs, pacifiers, parts and components, jewelry, furniture and equipment, or other product for children. This act has a wide reach and the deadlines are coming up very quickly."

Stork TCT immediately began the process of seeking approval to be a qualified provider of 16 C.F.R. 1303 testing and we received confirmation in late November. Stork TCT is currently accredited by A2LA for 16 CFR 1303: BAN OF LEAD-CONTAINING PAINT AND CERTAIN CONSUMER PRODUCTS BEARING LEAD-CONTAINING PAINT.

"We are approved and fully engaged in helping our manufacturing clients design and conduct customized testing programs to deal with the new requirements and their other quality needs efficiently and cost-effectively," said Graswinckel. "We look forward to helping all of our manufacturing clients to meet these critical requirements."

Copies of CPSC 16 C.F.R. 1303 are available from the Commission's website at http://www.cpsc.gov. Stork experts are available to answer your questions about testing for lead or other contaminants at info.tct@us.stork.com.