Keller Rohrback L.L.P. Partner Amy Williams-Derry Discusses Lead and Cadmium in Children’s Jewelry

Partner Amy Williams-Derry sat down with ParentMap, a monthly print and online resource for parents, to discuss Keller Rohrback L.L.P.’s investigation into retailers and manufacturers after high levels of toxic metals were found in children’s necklaces packaged with clothing. In a report published by the Washington Department of Ecology, five out of 27 necklaces tested contained more than five percent lead or cadmium. These heavy metals are known to be highly toxic to people, especially children, even at low concentrations. Learn more about the investigation.

In her interview by ParentMap author Nancy Alton, Amy Williams-Derry states that the goal of any lawsuit brought by Keller Rohrback L.L.P. is to stop manufacturers from using these toxic metals in children’s products:

Based on the small sample size tested, we have a reasonable suspicion that there are other products like these necklaces out there also being marketed and sold to young children. We are eager to talk with consumers about the jewelry sold with these five dresses and to also find out what other products parents are worried about.

Toxic metals have also recently been found in popular chocolate products. In an independent laboratory test, As You Sow, a California-based consumer protection organization, found 30 out of 50 chocolate products contained lead and/or cadmium. View the report for the list of affected candies and manufacturers.

If you have purchased the children’s clothing items packaged jewelry reported by the Washington Department of Ecology to have toxic cadmium or lead, or if you believe your child may have come into contact with toxic jewelry, please contact attorneys Amy Williams-Derry or Gretchen Freeman Cappio at (800) 776-6044 or via email at [email protected].