Key chains cited for lead danger
About 12,000 “Hip Charm” key chains, distributed by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and made in China, have been recalled because the charms on the key chain can have high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by children, the company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.
Wal-Mart received a report of a 9-month-old girl with high blood lead levels after she put the key chain in her mouth. Health authorities are monitoring her condition as lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms.
The recalled key chains, with the UPC code 31568 11017, have several charms hanging from a silver-colored chain including a button, clover, leaf, heart and sand dollar. They were sold at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from April 2005 through last month. For more information, consumers can visit www.walmartstores.com and click on the Facts & News link, or www.cpsc.gov.
* About 9,000 Western Rider push toys, manufactured in China and imported by Santa’s Toy Corp., were recalled because surface paint on portions of the toys contain excessive levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by children. The toys were sold at dollar and discount stores around the country between February 2005 and February 2008. For more information, call (800) 638-2772 or visit www.cpsc.gov.
