High levels of lead found in popular toy jewelry kits

New York’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced an investigation today into potentially damaging levels of lead found in toy jewelry kits. The A.G.’s office says they tested and found unacceptable levels of lead in the following kits:

• Shimmer N’ Sparkle Cra-Z-Art Cra-Z-Jewelz Gem Creations Ultimate Gem Machine
• Shimmer N’ Sparkle Cra-Z-Art Cra-Z-Jewelz Gem Creations Gem Charm and Slider Bracelets
• My Look Cra-Z-Art Cra-Z-Jewelz Gem Creations Ultimate Gem Machine

These kits are commonly sold at Walmart, Amazon, Target, Jet.com, Sears, Toys ‘R’ Usand K-Mart. The Attorney General is calling for the CPSC to issue a national recall of the products. CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye told the New York Times that the agency has opened an investigation into the matter.

The dangers of lead

According to the Mayo Clinic, children are especially vulnerable to develop symptoms from lead poisoning, including physical and mental developmental problems, seizures and even death.

The federal safety standard for lead in toys is 100 parts per million, but Mr. Schneiderman’s office found some bracelets from these kits contained 980 parts per million. For a full list of the kits and test results, click here.