Lawsuit Accuses Disneyland Of Exposing Children To Lead
LOS ANGELES (CBS SF) - A nonprofit group that has filed dozens of environmental suits against major companies has accused Disneyland of exposing children to lead at some of the theme park's most popular attractions.
The Mateel Environmental Justice Foundation on Tuesday sought a court injunction to require Disneyland to cover various surfaces around the theme park, or to post health warnings about allegedly high lead levels on them.
A lawsuit the group filed in April contends there are excessive levels of lead in the stained glass windows in Cinderella's Castle, brass door knobs at Minnie's House, as well as drinking fountains and other items throughout the Orange County theme park.
Reporter John Baird:
Disney has rejected the allegations and spokeswoman Suzi Brown said the company believes it is in full compliance with state law regarding signage.
Eureka-based Mateel has filed many suits in recent years contending that companies violate California's Proposition 65 toxics law.
Lead exposure is a major concern for children under 6 years old who tend to put their hands in their mouths frequently, said environmental consultant Richard Baker.
He noted that most children would visit Disneyland too infrequently to face significant exposure because lead is a cumulative poison.
"One time a year, once in a child's lifetime," he said, "I really would not have a great deal of concern."
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