Lead Paint Levels Result in Recalls for Children’s Furniture and Toy Drums

Two separate recalls were posted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on December 23, 2008, for approximately 3,000 children’s cribs and 6,000 matching furniture pieces, as well as 2,800 toy steel drums. The recalls were issued due to lead paint levels that exceed federal limits, posing a potential risk of lead poisoning.

The use of lead paint in consumer products is strictly regulated due to the toxic nature of the paint, which can cause serious cognitive and developmental problems for children if ingested. Lead paint poisoning can lead to brain damage, convulsions, seizures, mental retardation, comas and death.

Munire Furniture, Inc., has issued a crib recall for their Newport Rubbed Black 4-in-1 ccribs, as well as matching furniture pieces that were sold at specialty furniture stores throughout the United States since April 2006. The cribs retailed for approximately $600, with matching furniture pieces selling for between $700 and $1,000.

A red paint which is under the black finish on the cribs and children’s furniture exceeds federal lead levels. According to the U.S. CPSC, at least one child has been diagnosed with lead paint poisoning after ingesting paint from the crib.

The children’s furniture recall applies to Munire’s Newport Lifetime Crib (Model 7900), Hutch for Combo and Double Dresser (Model 7918), Mirror (Model 7915), Combo (Model 7908), Nightstand (Model 7902), Conversion Kit for Lifetime Crib (Model 7907), 5 Drawer Dresser (Model 7905), Armoire (Model 7929), Guardrail for Lifetime Crib (Model 7975), Double Dresser (Model 7906), Bookcase (Model 7914) and Newport OldeWorld Crib (Model 7901).

In a separate lead paint recall, the U.S. CPSC and Woodstock Percussion, Inc. have announced a Calypso Steel Drum recall due to excessive levels of lead paint on the toy drums.

The drums are made of steel and have a wooden stand with two wooden drum sticks. The sides are painted red and the drum pan is black, with silver markings showing the locations of the musical notes. The rim is stamped with #5 or #6. Some of the drums with #5 are not affected by the recall.

The toy drums were made in Trinidad and sold for between $50 and $100 by mail order catalogs, websites and retailers nationwide from December 2006 through December 2007.

Consumers have been advised to immediately stop using any of these recalled products and to contact the manufacturer for replacement products.