California cracks down on online retailer over high lead levels in jewelry

SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) cracked down on a Santa Monica-based online retailer TheBeadChest.com for selling jewelry that contained excessive levels of lead, a violation of California law. Jewelry with excessive lead poses severe health risks, particularly for children, including irreversible brain damage, developmental delays, organ failure and death.

"Online marketplaces have a broad reach, which makes swift action essential. "We appreciate this retailer took immediate steps to protect their customers from harmful lead exposure in jewelry. We expect other online retailers to do the same."

DTSC Director Katherine Butler

The enforcement action expands DTSC's ongoing enforcement actions against brick-and-mortar stores to online retailers. TheBeadChest.com is a top seller of beads to individuals selling handmade crafts, jewelry and supplies. Parents should immediately take jewelry believed to contain lead away from their children. DTSC offers screening at jewelry events occasionally throughout the year. Also, commercial lead testing kits are available at some retailers. Find additional information on the DTSC website.

Operators of TheBeadChest.com have agreed to immediately cease offering jewelry for sale that is not in compliance with the law and pay a $17,000 penalty.

FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control to report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste, or other environmental concerns using the CalEPA Environmental Complaint System opens in a new window.

DTSC's Mission is to protect California's people, communities, and environment from toxic substances, to enhance economic vitality by restoring contaminated land, and to compel manufacturers to make safer consumer products.

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