Products in science kits can be dangerous.
Anne Arundel County found that out recently after purchasing science kit products containing high levels of lead.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled the products that were sent to 59 Anne Arundel elementary schools, said school system spokesman Bob Mosier.
The products were “thinking crowns,” headpieces with Velcro and horseshoe-shaped
magnets.
“Principals at each of our 77 elementary schools and the Ferndale Early Education Center have been given information about the items in question and asked to take an inventory of their supplies to determine if the items exist in their buildings,” Superintendent Kevin Maxwell said in a Monday letter to parents.
It?s unknown how many of the products already have been used by students, Mosier said.
The schools are being asked to contact the manufacturer about exchanges if the products are found, Maxwell said.
According to the commission, the surface paint on the products each had high to excessive levels of lead.
There have been no injuries associated with the contaminated materials, the commission reported.
“We?re just trying to be proactive and keep everybody in the loop,” Mosier said about notifying all the schools, including those not warned by the manufacturer.
Elementary school parents appeared grateful that the school system was staying on top of the matter.
“I felt that when the superintendent sent the notice, that it would be looked into and taken care of in the right way,” said Gail Burcky, parent of a second-grader at Four Seasons Elementary School in Gambrills.
“It seems like they?re taking appropriate action.”
