Warning

2004-39
July 9, 2004
For immediate release

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the recalled jewellery contains lead but due to the difficulty in distinguishing which ones do, all of them are being withdrawn.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.

For further information, consumers can contact the Health Canada Product Safety Office nearest them:

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Photographs of product

Media Inquiries:
Margot Geduld/Carole Saindon
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991