CPSC and Kmart announce recall of Infant Girls' Rompers

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.

Kmart 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.