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Lead Contamination Forces Bracelet Recall

Cancer Charity Recalls 200,000 Bracelets

POSTED: 11:00 pm EDT September 21, 2007
UPDATED: 1:05 pm EDT September 24, 2007

A cancer charity is recalling about 200,000 bracelets it sold as a fundraiser because they contain high levels of lead.

The Friends of Mel Foundation tested the bead-and-metal bracelets after getting an e-mail that a 9-month-old boy apparently ingested lead from a bracelet.

A spokeswoman for the foundation said it hasn't been able to contact the boy's family but has reached out to the person who sent the e-mail. She said the e-mail described the boy as "doing well."

The charity said its overseas supplier promised that silver-toned rings on the bracelets didn't contain lead. But independent lab tests done after it received the e-mail showed the rings do contain high levels of lead.

The charity is promising to replace the bracelets as soon as possible. People can send the bracelets to The Friends of Mel Foundation, Post Office Box 1660, Wakefield, MA 01880.

The foundation said it's raised more than $1 million for Massachusetts General Hospital by selling the jewelry on its Web site and in small stores.

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