Tests find high levels of lead in 3 toys available in Canada

Several children's toys available in Canadacontain unacceptable levels of lead, according to a scientific test commissioned by CBC News.

But Health Canada is dismissing the results, saying the testing doesn't meet their standards.The department, however,said it will consider investigating the products identified by CBC.

CBC News randomly selected 30 items marketed to children to be tested for lead by two separate labs.

Under Health Canada rules, it is illegal to sell toys that have more than 600 micrograms of lead.

Three items the CBC tested — a Diva cellphone charm and two zipper pulls with zodiac signs, all made in China—had lead levels more than six times above the legal limits.

"It wasn't a question of being close to the guidelines, these samples exceeded the guidelines and these samples should not be on the market," said Doug Golz, a chemistry professor at the University of Winnipeg, who led one of the two labs where the products were tested.

Ingesting lead can lead to behavioural problems, seizures and learning disabilities, particularly in young children.

Just one month ago, thousands of toys across Canada were recalled — the seventh recall of children's toys contaminated with lead in18 months.

But Health Canada said it didn't approve of the methodology CBC News used, although the labs were asked to follow Health Canada's own guidelines.

"The testing that was used appeared not to follow the appropriate method," said Tracy McCamis, product safety officer with Health Canada. "So we cannot be sure that the results he is so alarmed about are actually true results."