Parents should be aware of two recent recalls of children’s jewelry products. Wal-Mart has recalled 55,000 Disney “Princess and Frog” necklaces that were sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores. This recall was announced on Friday.
The necklaces contain high levels of cadmium, which can to toxic to children if ingested. Cadmium is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) and may cause fever, developmental problems, or even death in high amounts.
The recalled metal chain link necklaces have pendants shaped like a crown or a frog. The packaging reads “Disney” and “The Princess and the Frog.” Recalled necklace model numbers include 4616-4187 (crown pendant) and 4616-4190 (frog pendant). The recalled Disney necklaces were sold at Wal-Mart stores across the country between November 2009 and January 2010. Average retail price was five dollars. If your child has one of these necklaces, return it to Wal-Mart for a refund.
In a related recall, 426,000 pieces of Disney children’s jewelry have been recalled due to high levels of lead. The recalled pieces include the “Tiny Tink” Tinkerbell charms as well as children’s bracelets sold through Papyrus Greeting Cards. This recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Tuesday. Both jewelry products were imported.
The Tinkerbell charms were imported by Playmates Toys. Researchers discovered that a metal piece of the charm had excess levels of lead. The Papyrus bracelets were imported by Schurman Fine Papers, and researchers found that the lead paint on the bracelets contained high levels of lead. Both of these pieces of children’s jewelry violated the federal standard for lead paint.
Over 252,000 Tiny Tink charms were recalled. The following Disney toy jewelry products were recalled: Tinker Bell’s Lil’ Tinker Bracelet, Rosetta’s Rosebud Keychain, Silvermist’s Water Lily Necklace. The Disney toys were sold at several retailers across the country from November 2008 to November 2009. Prices ranged from six dollars to eight dollars.
The Papyrus bracelets and greeting cards were sold from February 2004 to September 2009 at various retail stores for around seven dollars. If ingested, high levels of lead in paint could lead to nerve damage, brain damage, mental retardation, developmental problems, seizures, and even death. Low levels of lead exposure may also cause developmental problems for children.
If you own any of these jewelry toys, return them for a refund.
Toy jewelry is notorious for containing high levels of lead, cadmium, and other toxins. It’s best to avoid toy jewelry altogether, especially if it’s imported from China. China has a history of producing toys contaminated with lead paint and other toxins.
To be safe, teach your children to avoid chewing on toys and to wash their hands regularly, especially after playing outdoors. Soil is often contaminated with lead, especially if it’s near a roadway (thanks to a history of lead in gasoline).
If your child has been injured by an unsafe toy, contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.