The Baltimore Health Department found elevated levels of lead in a six-piece earring set sold at Five Below.
The lead amount measured in a June 12 test on the $3 jewelry ranged between 150 and 190 ppm—above the federal limit of 100 ppm for children’s products, according to The Baltimore Sun.
“When we normally think about lead exposure, we think about lead in housing,” said Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “But we want to make sure parents are not inadvertently exposing their children to hazards that may be found in their homes.”
Five Below immediately took action, removing the product from its stores and discussing the situation with the manufacturer.
“At Five Below, safety is of utmost concern to the company, and we take all product concerns seriously,” the statement said. “We have numerous measures in place when working with suppliers to ensure that our products meet all safety guidelines. … We will continue to investigate.”
Since 2007, the city has randomly tested lead in children’s jewelry. It has found 50 violations in its 350 tests in that time.
However, the city admitted its initial report that indicated a Hello Kitty necklace also exceeded limits was incorrect, noting a staffer misread a lab test of the $6 necklace sold at Target, according to The Baltimore Sun.
