Fidget Spinners Sold At Target Contain Lead: Report

A consumer group is warning that two models of fidget spinners being sold at Target contain high levels of lead that may be harmful to children.

Fidget spinners are quite possibly the most popular toy of the year. If you recently purchased one from Target, you may want to check to see what model you have, as there have been reports of a potentially dangerous amount of lead found on some being sold at the chain.

According to ABC News, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group found that two models of fidget spinners being sold nationwide at Target contained “extremely high” levels of lead in the metal and coating. One of the two models was found to have 330 times the amount of lead allowed in children’s products.

Fidget spinners are categorized as “general use” products rather than children’s toys, so they are not subject to the lead limits normally applied to children’s toys and overseen by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group said that the distinction is illogical.

“Saying fidget spinners aren’t toys defies common sense, as millions of parents whose kids play with spinners can tell you,” said the toxics director of the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Kara Cook-Schulz.

Target responded to concerns, saying in a statement that the company is “committed to providing high quality and safe products to our guest and we closely review all product safety claims that are brought to our attention.”

The company noted that CPSC is responsible for how the toys are categorized.

The fidget spinners in question are “Fidget Wild Premium Spinner Brass” and “Fidget Wild Premium Spinner Metal,” both of which are distributed by Bulls-I-Toys.

A spokesman for Bulls-I-Toys, Harold Chizick, released a statement saying, “Safety is one of our top priorities. All of our products are tested and comply with CPSC safety standards.”

According to CBS News, Target has now stopped selling the models of fidget spinners in question on their website and will be removing the products from store shelves.

“While these two products comply with all CPSC guidelines for fidget spinners, based on the concerns raised, we’re removing them from our assortment,” said Jenna Reck, senior communications manager at Target. “Additionally, we’re working closely with our vendors to ensure all of the fidget spinners carried at Target meet the CPSC’s guidelines for children’s products.”

Cook-Schulz said that the consumer group was pleased to learn that the fidget spinners will no longer be sold by Target.

“This is a big win for consumers,” she said. “Hopefully this will mean that Target will only sell safe products this holiday season.”

Sources: ABC News, CBS News / Featured Image: Pixabay / Embedded Images: Yahoo News, Target Corporate