Reebok is recalling 300,000 bracelets after learning of the toy's potential risk of causing lead poisoning. One 4-year-old child died after swallowing the bracelet pieces and suffering lead poisoning.
The bracelets were included as a free gift with numerous styles of children's Reebok shoes between 2004 and present. The metal bracelet has a small heart charm engraved with "Reebok".
Lead poisoning is a form of toxicity that can accumulate over time and cause severe side effects and death. Lead poisoning can cause kidney problems, neurological damage, delayed mental and physical development, attention and learning deficiencies, hearing problems, and reproductive difficulties. Lead poisoning can often start with mild flu-like symptoms.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is assisting with the Reebok recall and simultaneously recalling other similar toys and jewelry. Consumer groups are complaining that children's toys and other products containing lead should be banned altogether.
Reebok is an international athletic-clothing and footwear company based in Massachusetts with annual net sales of $3.7 billion.
Reebok Recall and Jewelry Recall in the News
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issues a press release announcing the recall of Reebok heart charm bracelets (with pictures). (Mar-23-06) [CPSC]The CPSC announces other recalls of lead toys and jewelry from the Dollar Tree and Dollar Stores, approximately 580,000 pieces that have the potential to cause lead poisoning in children. There was a similar recall of heart-shaped pendants from Dollar General Corp. in May, 2005. (Mar-23-06) [CPSC]
The Center for Environmental Health has filed several lawsuits and sued retailers and manufacturers of children's jewelry and vinyl lunchboxes in hopes of reducing the levels of lead in these products. (Mar-23-06) [AMHERST TIMES]
