CPSC recalls 550,000 pieces of lead-tainted children's jewelry

Almost 550,000 pieces of metal children's jewelry were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission today because parts of the jewelry contain toxic levels of lead. The largest of the three recalls includes 500,000 necklaces with a ballet shoe charm that were given away with the purchase of books published in English, French and Spanish by Parragon Books. Also recalled were sets of lip gloss and jewelry sold at Wal-Mart and packages of shoelace and necklace charms. Parents are advised to immediately take the jewelry away from children. Here are the recall details.

Children's necklaces with ballet shoes charms
How many: 500,000
Description: Necklaces have a silver-colored chain with a silver-colored charm in the shape of a pair of ballet shoes with a bow. The necklaces were included with the purchase of children’s books entitled, The Magical Ballet Slippers (alternatively Ballerina’s Magical Shoes) published by Parragon Books. The UPC 9781405411448 is printed on the back of the book. The Spanish version, Las Zapatillas Magicas de la Bailarina has UPC 9781405448383. And the French version, Les Petits Chaussons Magiques has UPC 9781405449526.
Hazard: Solder on the charm of the necklace may contain high levels of lead.
Sold at: Retail chains and independent bookstores nationwide from January 2003 through June 2008 for about $7.
What to do: Contact Parragon for instructions on how to return the necklace and to receive a free children’s book 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free at (888) 480-2854, or visit the firm’s Web site: www.parragonrecall.com.

'Faded Glory' lip gloss, locket and bracelet sets
How many: 30,000
Description: The three-piece sets contain a rectangle-shaped lip gloss container, a heart-shaped locket necklace and a charm bracelet with a frog, monkey or cat motif. "Faded Glory” is printed on the product’s hangtag.
Hazard: The lobster claw clasp on the bracelet contains high levels of lead.
Sold at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide from May 2008 through June 2008 for about $6.
What to do: Return the set to any Wal-Mart store for a full refund. For additional information, contact the importer, F.A.F. Inc. at (800) 949-3311 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.faf.com.

Children's charm craft kits
How many: 18,500
Description: “Super Dooper Charms” (item #63403) and “Shoelace Charms” (item #67310) charm craft kits contain components (i.e., charms, beads, wire, clasps) to assemble necklaces, jewelry accessories, or charms that can be hooked on shoelaces, backpacks, or used as zipper pulls. The item number can be found on the back of the package.
Hazard: The clasp in the charm craft kits contains high levels of lead.
Sold through: Various retailers nationwide from July 2007 through April 2008 for about $17 for the “Super Dooper Charms” kit and $6 for the “Shoelace Charms” kit.
What to do: contact Action Products International for instructions on returning items for a free replacement at (800) 772-2846 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company’s Web site at www.apii.com.

We've written about the hazards of metal jewelry before and don't recommend it for children.

Comments

[Allan McCombs]

Are these items made in China?