The following article was
released on the Internet and deals with the recall in America of an imported children's
clothing item because of excessive lead content. This is a good example of how imported
products can sometimes fail to comply with safety legislation in developed countries. We
should be aware of this potential risk, especially with painted items.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), the Kmart Corporation, of Troy, Michigan, is voluntarily recalling
23,000 rompers for infant girls. The paint on the rompers' buttons is dangerous for young
children because it contains an excessive level of lead. Because of the excessive lead
levels, the rompers violate the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Kmart initiated the recall in response to a consumer's concerns about
paint chipping from the buttons after washing the rompers. Kmart and CPSC are not aware of
any injuries involving the garments. This recall is being conducted to prevent the
possibility of injury.
The short sleeve, crew-neck rompers, which come in white with pink
flowers or white with
blue flowers, were available in three sizes: 12 months, 18 months, and
24 months. Three shiny plastic buttons on the front of the garments each measure
approximately.5 inch in diameter. Sewn-in tags in the neck of the rompers read in part,
'YOUNG CLASSICS™ 60% COTTON 40% POLYESTER RN # 42000 BANGLADESH." The
style number 1832 appears on the rompers' hang tags.
Krnart stores sold the rompers nationwide for $6.99 from January 1996
through April 1996 under the Young Classics label in the Kidsworld department.
Consumers should return the rompers to any Kmart store for a full
refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should contact Kmart at their
toll-free customer service line. Consumers can also contact any Kmart store for more
information.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable
risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's
jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for
information on CPSC's fax-on- demand service, call CPSC's hotline in America at (800) 638
2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638 827.
