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Last week the largest toymaker in the world agreed to pay a $12 million settlement to 39 U.S. states for shipping Chinese made toys containing unsafe amounts of lead.
The settlement comes as the result of a 15-month investigation of some of Mattel’s more popular Chinese-made toys that were shipped to the U.S. last year. According to the lawsuit, the toys never made it to store shelves.
''Had there been danger involved, the amount would have been higher,'' Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, whose state led the investigation, said at a press conference. ''No harm actually occurred, but the risk of harm was very high.''
The settlement includes new federal guidelines that Mattel has agreed to implement immediately:
Mattel spokeswoman Jules Andres said in a statement. "Mattel also has taken steps that go beyond current requirements to give parents greater confidence that the Mattel toys that they buy this holiday season will be the safest ever.”
Young children under the age of six are most susceptible to lead poisoning because their brains and nervous systems are still developing:
Children may be more susceptible to lead poisoning, but adults should also take steps to avoid exposing themselves.
Lead also has a harmful effect on the environment. The toxic metal is unable to dissolve in water or biodegrade, dissipate, decay or burn. This means once lead is in the soil it is likely to remain there for a long time, creating a hazard that lasts for years.
39 states received varying amounts of the $12 million settlement. For example:
Most of the states involved in the settlement reached similar deals, as well as commitments from Mattel to comply with new safety standards.
(Source: Domain-B)
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