AG Tackles

Lead Threat

HARTFORD — In an August 17 letter, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal warned Mattel, Inc officials of their obligation to comply with federal and state environmental laws in disposing of lead-contaminated toys in Connecticut.

In that recent letter to Mattel CEO Bob Eckert, Mr Blumenthal said the recent recall of Mattel toys containing dangerous lead paint is an essential first step toward resolving this issue — but more steps are necessary to protect against further public harm from lead.

Under state law, if toys are disposed in Connecticut, Mattel will have to determine — through sample testing or otherwise — whether the toys being disposed constitute a hazardous waste. The company must also determine whether the entity conducting the disposal, be it Mattel, a distributor, or a retailer, must be designated a hazardous waste generator.

Mr Blumenthal has requested that Mattel officials certify in writing within 30 days that any disposal of Mattel toys containing lead in Connecticut will be done in compliance with federal and state law, and that the company has instituted a plan to monitor disposal.

“Our message to Mattel: get the lead out — and keep it out,” Mr Blumenthal said. “Mattel’s responsibility to protect our children from lead-contaminated toys does not end with this recall. Improper disposal of lead threatens pernicious perpetual public harm, including contamination of soil and water.”

Mr Blumenthal said in the letter, “Connecticut, like many states, seeks to protect the health and safety of its citizens by minimizing and eventually eliminating the release of dangerous chemicals, such as lead, into our environment.”