Lead Alert: Popular Children’s Paint Rollers Recalled for High Lead Content

Dixon Ticonderoga Creativity Street Foam Pattern RollersSubmitted Image

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a warning to parents and caregivers about a recent recall of children’s paint rollers due to dangerous lead levels. The Dixon Ticonderoga Creativity Street Foam Pattern Rollers, a popular choice among young artists for painting projects, have been found to contain lead exceeding federal safety standards.

The recall affects approximately 2,880 sets of Creativity Street Foam Pattern Rollers, model PAC5170, sold across various online platforms including Amazon.com, StaplesAdvantage.com, MacPhersonsArt.com, ADASales.com, and Walmart.com, as well as at the Teacher’s Edition store in Brooklyn, New York, from September 2023 through January 2024. The product was marketed at around $15, making it an accessible option for schools and families alike.

This concern arose after it was discovered that the yellow, green, blue, and red handled rollers, distinguishable by lot codes “02142080423” and “02142230523,” contain levels of lead that surpass the federally mandated limit. Lead, a potent neurotoxin, poses a significant risk if ingested or otherwise absorbed by children, potentially leading to severe health issues including developmental delays and neurological damage.

Consumers are urged to immediately cease using the recalled products and prevent any further access by children. Dixon Ticonderoga, the company behind these foam pattern rollers, is offering a full refund to purchasers upon the return of the affected items, facilitated through a pre-paid label system. The firm has committed to directly contacting all known purchasers to streamline the recall process.

The broader implications of this recall are alarming, highlighting the critical importance of stringent product safety standards and vigilant oversight. The presence of lead in children’s products not only poses immediate health risks but also calls into question the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks designed to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

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In response to this incident, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has reiterated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation that all young children undergo lead exposure testing at least once, with follow-ups as necessary. Identifying elevated lead levels early can significantly mitigate the long-term impact, ensuring children have the opportunity to achieve their full developmental potential.

Additionally, the Department has activated a toll-free lead information hotline (1-800-440-LEAD) to offer guidance on lead poisoning prevention, testing procedures, follow-up care, and local resources available to families.

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