January 5, 2007 Christa Huegerich, Public Health Educator
435-3271
Lead Recall – Gigantic Gemstone Ring Party Favors
The Onondaga County Health Department's Lead Poisoning Control Program is alerting parents of a voluntary recall of Gigantic Gemstone Ring Party Favors. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that the product contains high levels of lead.
Celebrate Express Inc., of Kirkland, Washington imported the "Gigantic Gemstone Ring" toy that was sold at Celebrate Express' Birthday Express, Costume Express and Storybook Heirloom Web sites and catalogs and at the Birthday Express retail outlet store in Kirkland, Washington from October 2003 through October 2006 for about $1.50. It is reported that this was manufactured in China. The recalled children's Gigantic Gemstone Ring toy is a silver-colored metallic ring with a large plastic gemstone. The gemstone colors include: blue, red, purple, green and clear. The rings were sold individually and as part of various party favor, costume and heirloom sets.
Pictures of all of the recalled items are available at www.cpsc.gov. On the site, look for "Help/Advanced Search" and type in "Gigantic Gemstone Ring". Hit enter. Up comes "Celebrate Express Inc. Recalls Gigantic Gemstone Ring Party Favors Due to Lead Poisoning".
Consumers are urged to take the recalled party favors away from young children immediately. To contact the company for a refund, call Celebrate Express at (888) 551-3995 between 4:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.celebrateexpress.com. Celebrate Express has directly contacted purchasers of the products by mail.
Young children are especially at risk for lead poisoning because they often put non-food items in their mouth. Children with lead poisoning do not look sick. A blood lead test must be done to determine if a child has lead poisoning. If left untreated, lead poisoning can cause behavioral and learning problems.
To have your child tested for lead call your doctor or the Onondaga County Health Department's Lead Poisoning Control Program. For additional information about lead poisoning, blood lead testing and ways to protect your children from lead hazards, contact the Lead Poisoning Control Program at (315) 435-3271.
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