Keller Rohrback Investigates High Levels of Lead and Cadmium in Children’s Jewelry
Keller Rohrback L.L.P. is investigating retailers and manufacturers in connection with the manufacture and sale of girls’ dresses that are packaged with necklaces and jewels that may contain high levels of lead and cadmium, both toxic metals.
The Washington Department of Ecology recently tested 27 pieces of jewelry packaged with dresses designed for young girls, and the agency found that five of those pieces of jewelry contain very high levels of lead or cadmium.
Cadmium and lead are toxic to people, even at low concentrations. Children—for whom the dresses and jewelry were manufactured and sold—are at the most risk from those metals in consumer products because they are likely to put the items in their mouths, swallow them, or have frequent hand-to-mouth contact after touching the jewelry.
One of the products the agency tested was 98 percent cadmium, and another was 5 percent lead. Cadmium and lead accumulate in bone and soft tissue of the human body and can cause serious health effects, especially in children. According to a health expert quoted by the Seattle Times, lead and cadmium were found in the jewelry at “astonishingly high levels.”
“Parents should not need to worry that the clothing and accessories they buy for their kids could expose their children and families to high levels of toxic metals,” says Amy Williams-Derry, a Keller Rohrback L.L.P. partner. “The companies that manufactured and sold these products should put safety first.”
These dresses and jewelry are available from online retailers, including Amazon, and were purchased by the Department of Ecology from online and brick-and-mortar stores such as JC Penney and Arkansas-based department store Dillards.
The dresses currently the subject of Keller Rohrback’s investigation include:
- Xtraordinary sparkle glitter knit popover dress (UPC 601350728400) manufactured by SWAT Inc.;
- Soulmates Girl caged back three-quarter-sleeve shift dress (UPC 613204330110) manufactured by Big Strike Inc. (coral-colored dress with gold key charm);
- Beautees ivory dress with gold-colored bow charm (UPC 885872676146) manufactured by KWDZ Manufacturing;
- My Michelle Girls floral dress with necklace (UPC 030121774016) manufactured by Kellwood Co.; and
- My Michelle Girls lace-mesh dress with necklace (UPC 030121773897) manufactured by Kellwood Co.
The Washington Department of Ecology’s report is available here:
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/documents/1603007.pdf
The agency has also posted responses to “Frequently Asked Questions” about its report here:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/RTT/cspa/jewelryQandA.html
If you have purchased any of the items 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].
For decades, consumers have trusted the attorneys of Keller Rohrback L.L.P. to protect them from harmful products and unfair trade practices. Our firm is a leader in representing consumers in diverse areas, ranging from vehicles and toys to mortgage modifications and identity theft.
Keller Rohrback L.L.P. served as Chair of the Executive Committee in a nationwide MDL against Mattel and Fisher-Price on behalf of purchasers of toys recalled because they were manufactured using lead paint and/or dangerous magnets, In re Mattel, Inc., Toy Lead Paint Products Liability Litigation. On behalf of plaintiffs, we achieved a settlement valued at approximately $50 million. The firm currently serves on the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the consolidated consumer lawsuits against Volkswagen for the sale of diesel vehicles with “defeat devices.”
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