The problem involves Fidget Wild Premium spinners in both brass and metal. They were sold by Target and distributed by Bulls i Toy, LLC.
The recall was issued after the public advocacy group U.S. PIRG issued a report last week after discovering that Target’s “Fidget Wild Premium” spinners had lead levels ranging from 520 parts per million (ppm) to 33,000 ppm.
The amount of lead in the fidget spinners was more than 300-times what is allowed by federal law in children’s toys.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires that all children’s toys can’t have a total lead level of 100 ppm or higher. Furthermore, the paint or surface coatings must not exceed 90 ppm.
Target initially responded by claiming that the fidget spinners were not children’s toys, so the federal laws on lead levels did not apply.
However, CPSC commissioner Elliot F. Kaye said, “Seems obvious fidget spinners are toys and should comply with all applicable federal safety standards.”
Children who are exposed to lead have a higher risk of brain damage as well as slow growth and development, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).