Lead-based jewelry for kids is recalled

WASHINGTON -- More than a half-million pieces of Chinese-made children's jewelry contaminated with lead are being recalled, officials announced Wednesday.

The enforcement action was a cooperative effort by New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSC said it was tipped about the hazardous jewelry by Cuomo's office. In addition to the recall, a number of retailers, including Big Lots and Michaels, agreed in a settlement to immediately stop sales of lead-tainted jewelry.

"Today's metal jewelry recalls are a good example of when CPSC partners with a state agency that shares our commitment to protecting children from products with dangerous lead," spokesman Scott Wolfson said. "Metal jewelry is a product where one child has died in the past and others have suffered lead poisoning."

A total of 507,900 pieces were involved in the recall.

The CPSC works with companies to issue recalls when it finds consumer goods that can be harmful. Most such recalls are voluntary. Under current regulations, children's products found to have more than .06% lead are usually subject to a recall, in which the company must reimburse consumers for the value of the product, provide a replacement or offer a repair.

In March 2006 a Minnesota boy died of lead poisoning after swallowing a metal pendant from a charm bracelet that came with a pair of Reebok shoes. That incident resulted in a recall.

In December of last year the CPSC voted unanimously to move forward in a process that could ultimately lead to a ban on children's jewelry containing more than .06% lead by weight. The commission is hoping to move to the next stage of enacting the ban before then end of January 2008.