The Bay Area is a cradle of environmentalism and a region with a rich trove of health and medical research and resources. In this blog, we’ll report on the deepening understanding of how the places we inhabit and the lifestyles we adopt contribute to our own health and the health of our communities.
The suit, brought by the district attorneys offices of Alameda and Santa Clara counties, charged that the company sold products that exceeded the legal limits without providing warnings. Officials from Daiso California declined to comment on the settlement.
Lead, a neurotoxin, can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phthalates are synthetic chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and to add fragrances to soap and other personal care products.
"Although there have not been any known illnesses or injuries caused by any of the Daiso products in question, research does suggest there are increased medical risks for children exposed to excess levels of phthalates," Scott Patton, the deputy district attorney for Alameda County, said in a statement.
The suit involves Daiso stores located in Daly City, Newark and San Jose. The products were sold in the stores in 2008 and 2009.
The civil penalties from the settlement will be used to support local enforcement of consumer protection laws.
© The Bay Citizen, 2012
