Ladybug-Themed Kids’ Furniture Recalled for Excessive Lead Paint

Far East Brokers, a Florida-based company, has issued a product defect recall for its ladybug-themed kids’ outdoor furniture due to violation of U.S. lead paint standards. According to a safety alert issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the red surface paint on the furniture contains excessive levels of lead, which is a violation of the federal lead paint standard. The products were manufactured in China and were sold nationwide through wholesale distributors, grocery and drug stores from January to May for between $10 and $50.

The recall involves red ladybug-themed kids’ metal-framed outdoor furniture sold under the Leisure Way brand. The 14,000 items covered under this recall have large ladybug images on the fabric and include camp chairs, folding chairs, moon chairs, double-seat swing chairs and a patio set that includes two chairs, a table and an umbrella. Anyone who owns these products is asked to take the furniture away from children and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, please contact the manufacturer at 1-888-753-9040 or visit www.fareastbrokers.com.

The Dangers of Lead Poisoning

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 4 million households nationwide have children living in them that are being exposed to lead. About half a million children in the United States ages 1 to 5 have a blood lead level above 5 micrograms per deciliter, the reference level at which CDC recommends that public health actions be initiated.

Serious Health Effects

Long-term exposure to lead can cause serious health problems particularly in young children. Although lead is toxic for all age groups, young children are most vulnerable because their smaller, growing bodies make them more susceptible to absorbing and retaining lead. Unsafe levels of lead in the blood can lead to a wide range of symptoms including headaches and stomach pain to behavioral issues and anemia. Lead can also affect a child’s developing brain. Lead poisoning can lead to a variety of health problems for children including:

• Poor muscle coordination
• Damage to hearing, the kidneys or to the nervous system
• Decreased muscle and bone growth
• Speech and language problems
• Developmental delay
• Learning disabilities
• Seizures and loss of consciousness

Product Liability Issues

A number of children’s products such as toys and furniture that are being sold in the U.S. still have high and unacceptable lead levels. If you believe that your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important that you take him or her to see a doctor right away so the problem can be diagnosed. If your child has been diagnosed with lead poisoning that was caused by a defective product, you can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, diagnostic costs, permanent injuries, disabilities and pain and suffering. An experienced product liability attorney will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases regarding their legal rights and options.