Recall of toy jewellery from vending machines due to lead content

FYI, this was posted on the Health Canada website last Friday but it
also applies to the US.

(I also posted it to misc.kids.breastfeeding)

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/prote...04/2004_39.htm

Health Canada warns Canadians to discard children's metal toy
jewellery obtained from vending machines

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning the Canadian public to discard all
children's metal toy jewellery obtained from vending machines because
it may contain dangerous levels of lead. If ingested or put in the
mouth, the jewellery poses a risk of lead poisoning.

This follows a voluntary recall in Canada and the United States
involving over 100 million pieces of jewellery from four different
firms. The four firms are A & A Global Industries, Inc. of
Cockeysville, Maryland; Brand Imports, LLC, of Scottsdale, Arizona;
Cardinal Distributing Co. Inc. of Baltimore, Maryland; and L.M. Becker
& Co., Inc. of Kimberly, Wisconsin.

Not all of the recalled jewellery contains lead but due to the
difficulty in distinguishing which ones do, all of them are being
withdrawn. Health Canada is not aware of any Canadian lead poisoning
cases associated with these products.

This particular variety of metal toy jewellery comes in various styles
of rings, necklaces and bracelets. The rings are gold or
silver-coloured with centre stones of various shape and are coloured
with different designs and paint finishes. The necklaces may have
black rope, or gold or silver-coloured chains. The necklaces have
pendants, crosses or various geometrical designs or shapes, and can
include gemstones. The various styles of bracelets include charm
bracelets, bracelets with medallion links, and bracelets with faux
stones.

The jewellery was sold in vending machines located in malls, discount,
department and grocery stores from January 2002 through June 2004.

There is no lead exposure risk associated with wearing this jewellery,
but young children sometimes mouth or swallow items of this type and
the lead can leach from the jewellery into a child's body. Children
may also be exposed to lead if they handle the jewellery and then put
their hands into their mouths.

Lead is an inexpensive metal and jewellery items made from it are
generally of the low-end costume variety. When buying children's
costume jewellery, the Canadian public is advised to check with the
retailer to make sure it does not contain lead. If the retailer cannot
provide assurances that the item is lead-free, it is strongly advised
not to buy the product.

If you have any doubts about such products in your child's possession,
remove and dispose of them immediately.

Medical and scientific research has demonstrated that absorption of
even very low levels of lead into the blood may have harmful health
effects on the intellectual and behavioural development of infants and
young children. Short-term exposure to high levels of lead can cause
vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, appetite loss, abdominal pain,
constipation, fatigue, sleeplessness, irritability and headaches.

Health Canada is committed to eliminating unnecessary lead exposure in
children and has pre-published proposed regulations under the
Hazardous Products Act that will address the importation, sale or
advertisement of children's jewellery that contains lead.