The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) submitted a request
for exclusion from the lead limit of the CPSIA on tip of ballpoint pens and
roller ball pens on February 9, 2009. WIMA states that most of the pens sold
for use in schools or by children are ballpoint pens and roller ball pens
and the brass tips of these pens contain up to 5% lead, currently there are
no alternatives materials that can be used.