Friends of Mel Bracelet Recalled Due to High Levels of Lead

The latest addition to the surge of product recalls now boasts a product sold to support cancer-fighting research and programs. The Friends of Mel announced today that they are recalling their products due to a high level of led in the jewelry it distributes to donors who contribute to their cancer related programs.

Friends of Mel was named after Mel Simmons who lost her life to breast cancer. During Mel's five year battle with cancer she worked to guide and comfort other cancer patients and survivors. The foundation was created to keep her name and spirit alive. From the sale of Mel's bracelets, over one million dollars has been donated to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center for cancer research and education alone.

Friends of Mel was informed that their may be lead in the bracelets that they sell to support cancer research. Despite the manufacturers assurance that the products do not contain lead The Friends of Mel opted to immediately hired an independent lab and sent out several samples of the product.

The bracelet and rings in question consist of "bright multi- colored beads interspersed with silver-tone rings." The bright colored beads were found to be free of lead. The rings that are interspersed throughout the bracelets and were shown to have a high lead content.

The actual mechanics of the recall are still being confirmed, but the Friends of Mel website issued the following information to it's donors on their website: "We extend our sincerest apologies to all of you who purchased our jewelry and we are working on a replacement program involving a lead-free product. Since we are a small foundation this may take some time, but we want you to know that the safety of our supporters is our top concern. If you wish you may send the bracelet to The Friends of Mel Foundation, Post Office Box 1660, Wakefield, MA 01880. As soon as we can, we will send you a new one without these high lead levels and reimburse you for your postage. "

The risk of lead poisoning to adult wearers is minimal. One of their independent researchers as stated that, "The bracelet should be absolutely kept away from children." Dr. Jaeger went on to say that, "The risk to adults is extremely low, but that the lead levels in the jewelry under certain conditions may pose a hazard to children and to a fetus in utero. Caregivers of infants and young children should be warned about the potential risk of hand transfer of lead. The jewelry already carries a warning to keep the products away from children because of the potential for a choking hazard due to small parts."

Sources:
http://www.melsbracelets.org/

http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20070921/NEF05721092007-1.html