Advisory

2007-01
January 03, 2007
For immediate release

Health Canada advises Canadians of high lead levels in children's pendant necklaces and key chains

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising the Canadian public that certain children's metal pendant necklaces and key chains sold in Claire's and Ardène retail outlets across Canada are being recalled due to high lead levels. The four items, sold between February 2006 and December 2006, pose a risk of lead poisoning to children if chewed, sucked or swallowed and should be removed immediately from children's reach.

A description of each of the items affected by this recall follows below. These items can be disposed of in regular household waste. Consumers who purchased the monkey pendant necklace sold by Claire's may return the necklace to the nearest Claire's store for a refund.

Description of Items

The "MONKEY" pendant necklace has a 40-cm (16-inch) silver-coloured metal chain with a 2 cm x 2 cm (3/4 inch x 3/4 inch) metal pendant in the shape of a monkey holding a brown glass or stone ball. Approximately 225 of the necklaces were imported for sale through Claire's retail stores between July 2006 and December 2006 for $6.99 each.

The "KITTY" pendant necklace has an 80-cm (32-inch) silver-coloured metal chain with a 2 cm x 2 cm (3/4 inch x 3/4 inch) metal pendant in the shape of a black cartoon cat's head. The word "kitty" appears on a silver bar below the cat's head. The words "Best Friends" appear on the backing card. Approximately 1800 of these necklaces were imported for sale through Ardène's retail stores between February 2006 and December 2006 for $8.99 each.

The "CHERRY BUD" pendant necklace has an 80-cm (32-inch) silver-coloured metal chain with a 2 cm x 2 cm (3/4 inch x 3/4 inch) metal pendant in the shape of two red cherries with green leaves. One of the cherries has the word "Buds" on it. The words "Best Friends" appear on the backing card. Approximately 1800 of these necklaces were imported for sale through Ardène's retail stores between February 2006 and December 2006 for $8.99 each.

The key chain has silver-coloured metal rings and a short silver-coloured metal chain with a 5-petal blue glass star-like flower set in silver-coloured metal. The word "Best" appears on a silver-coloured metal bar below the flower. The words "Best Friends" appear on the backing card. Approximately 1800 of these key chains were imported for sale through Ardene's retail stores between June 2006 and December 2006 for $5.99 each.

Company spokespersons have advised Health Canada that these four items are no longer being sold in Canada.

There is no lead exposure risk associated with normal use of these items; however, there is a high risk of serious or even fatal lead poisoning if the items are sucked, chewed, or swallowed. To date, Health Canada has not received any reports of incidents or injuries from use of the products.

If a child has been observed sucking or chewing on the pendant necklaces or key chain, and you suspect that lead poisoning may have occurred, contact your family physician who can order a simple blood test to measure the child's blood lead level. If you notice or suspect that a child has swallowed a leaded item, contact your local poison control centre immediately.

Under the Children's Jewellery Regulations, the maximum limits of lead for children's jewellery imported, advertised or sold in Canada are 600mg/kg total lead and 90 mg/kg migratable lead. The limits apply to all accessible components of the jewellery items.

For further information, consumers can contact the Health Canada Product Safety office nearest them, by calling 1-866-662-0666 toll-free, or e-mail cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca (if contacting via e-mail, please indicate the province or territory from which you are corresponding).

For more information regarding the risks and symptoms of lead exposure, visit It's Your Health - Effects of Lead on Human Health.

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Media Enquiries:
Renée Bergeron
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709