Tests Show Lead In Walmart, Target Products
OAKLAND (KCBS) - Recent tests from an Oakland-based consumer group have revealed high levels of lead in children's products sold at Walmart and Target stores.
Charles Margulis with the Center for Environmental Health said they have found high levels of the toxic substance in Walmart products such as toy boxing gloves, toy foam jewelry beads and green and yellow beanbag chairs for toddlers.
He said at Target, they found two chairs with high lead levels, including one which had 70 times the legal limit for lead.
"Lead is a stunningly toxic chemical. It's especially harmful for kids because it affects the developing brain," Margulis said. "Many studies over the past few years have shown that kids exposed to lead have lower IQ scores and developmental problems and they can even have behavioral problems."
Margulis said as soon as they found out about the problems, they alerted the California Attorney General's Office, which in turn, relayed the information to the two stores.
Margulis said he was told that Target has pulled these items off of its shelves and Walmart has agreed to stop selling the items in California.
The center said the tested items were bought in mid-September at San Francisco-area Target and Walmart stores, or were ordered from the retailers' online businesses.
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