In cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hirschberg Schutz & Co. Inc., of Warren, NJ,is voluntarily recalling about 2.8 million metal charms.

The recalled metal charms contain high levels of lead, posing a serious risk of lead poisoning to young children. CPSC received a report of a six-year-old girl who mouthed these charms worn on a homemade necklace and later showed elevated lead levels. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

The metal charms are various shapes including small hearts, crowns, birds, picture frames, perfume bottles and a cross. Some of the metal charms have small blue, pink or yellow stones and are printed with words including "princess," "congratulations," "city girl," "world traveler" and "life's blessings."

The metal charms were sold as decorations for place cards, greeting cards, collages, memory boxes, gift cards, scrapbooks, invitations and gift bags. The charms also can be attached to necklaces and bracelets.

The recalled metal charms were sold at Michaels Stores from July 2002 through February 2005, at Recollections stores from October 2004 through February 2005, and at Hancock Fabrics stores from January 2004 through January 2005 for between $3 to $4. Consumers should immediately take these metal charms away from children and contact Hirschberg Schutz for more information.

For more information, please see:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05127.html