Young Artists Easels Recalled for Lead Paint Standard Violations
Nov 6, 2009 | Parker Waichman LLP
MacPherson’s Young Artist Easels have been recalled because the chalkboard surface coating contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. To date, no incidents or injuries have been reported; however, of note, adverse health reactions resulting from exposure are not generally immediately evident.
As we have often written, lead is considered by many experts to be one of the most important chronic environmental illnesses affecting children today. Exposure to lead in children can cause brain and nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, headaches, mental and physical retardation, and behavioral and other health problems. Lead is also known to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Once poisoned by lead, no organ system is immune. Of particular concern is the developing brain because negative influences can have long-lasting effects and can continue well into puberty and beyond.
This recall involves a children’s art easel, which has a chalkboard surface on one side and a white board surface on the other side. The item number is AA13301 and the UPC number is 082435133010, which can be found on the original packaging. The recalled MacPherson’s Young Artist Easels were sold at art supply stores nationwide and online from July 2004 through June 2009 for about $75.
The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately take these recalled MacPherson’s Young Artist Easels away from children and contact the firm to receive a free replacement chalkboard panel. MacPherson’s can be reached toll-free at 1-866-319-5335 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, at the firm’s Web site at www.art-alternatives.com/recall, or by email to recall@macphersonart.com
The recalled MacPherson’s Young Artist Easels were manufactured in China. Of note, defective imports from China have been making headlines in recent years; this recall of defective MacPherson’s Young Artist Easels is another of many such issues on which we have been writing.
In 2008, nearly 80 percent of all product recalls in the United States involved imports from China. Products such as dog food, baby formula, toys with lead paint, and even pharmaceuticals like heparin have been found to have been made with toxic materials and other counterfeit ingredients that have long been putting United States consumers at significant risk. Also making news is the ongoing Chinese drywall disaster involving imports from that country.
