Toys With Lead in Pittsburgh Stores

November 2007

Even after the recent recalls of millions of toys containing lead, a WTAE-TV investigation found that Pittsburgh-area stores still have toxic toys on their shelves.

Reporters from the Pittsburgh TV station tested over 40 items made in China, including toy jewelry bought from major department stores and discount retailers. Here is what was found:

• 54% of all the toy jewelry tested contained lead
• 12% had lead levels above the government limit

WTAE took the findings to Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, who is lobbying legislation for tougher standards on Chinese imports. Casey wants zero tolerance for lead in toys or any other products marketed to America’s youth.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission declined to comment on the findings, but agrees that parents should stay away from purchasing toy metal jewelry. They also discourage parents from purchasing home test kits because they were recently found to be unreliable.