Lead Safety
Health Canada recently, Spring 2008, warned Canadians that 6
out of 10 pieces of children's jewellery marketed and sold in Canada has
dangerous and illegal levels of lead.
Lead levels in children’s jewelry match those of car batteries: Health Canada
Children's Jewellery Containing Lead (Fact Sheet)
Health Canada advises Canadians about potential lead exposure from inexpensive
jewellery and candles with lead core wicks
CBC
Marketplace: Lead
Important and interesting sources of information;
http://virginiasolesmith.com/PDF/lead.pdf
http://www.kidsindanger.org/publications/fact_flyer/2004_LeadFact.pdf
The
Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
In 2003, four-year-old Jarnell Brown died six days after
swallowing a metal charm his mother got from Reebok International Ltd. Cause
of death was documented as "entirely preventable lead poisoning". In March
2008 Reebok was fined $1M for failing to label their product as hazardous to
people.
wcco.com - MN Child Dies Of Lead Poisoning; Bracelet Blamed
Reebok paying record $1M fine for recalled lead bracelets - USATODAY.com
Recalls of children's jewellery and toys have been numerous
and continue on an almost daily basis. Dangerous levels of lead have been
found even with jewellery labelled as "lead free".
For recall information in Canada, visit the Health Canada's
Consumer Product Safety website,
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/index-eng.php , follow the
link under Recalls for 'Check for product recalls', then enter 'lead' in the
search for box.
http://www.yourlawyer.com/articles/read/14566
"There is no 'safe' level of lead exposure for children.
"There is growing evidence that even very small exposures to lead can produce
subtle effects in humans." Even at low levels of exposure, lead poisoning can
result in IQ deficits, learning disabilities, behavioural problems, delayed
growth, and impaired hearing. According to the National Safety Council (NSC)
lead poisoning has even been linked to increased rates of truancy, criminal
behaviour, and juvenile delinquency."
CR4 - Blog Entry: Toxic Toys, Toxic Trinkets
