Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contacts: John Gilkeson, (651) 215-0199 Jennifer Volkman, (651) 297-8357 ST. PAUL, Minn. - As a result of the tragic death of a Minnesota boy attributed to lead poisoning, many parents are collecting toy jewelry from their homes. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reminds parents to properly dispose of any jewelry that contains, or is suspected of containing, lead. Lead jewelry should not be thrown in the trash. Take suspected lead jewelry to your local household hazardous waste collection site during your next visit. Be sure to store the jewelry safely out of reach until you go. You can also contact your county solid waste program for recommended disposal options. For a list of household hazardous waste collection sites, visit www.moea.state.mn.us/hhw/programs.cfm. "This tragedy is a reminder to all of us to rid our homes of lead- and mercury-containing items in and to safely dispose of them by taking them to a household hazardous waste collection facility," said Jennifer Volkman, Household Hazardous Waste Coordinator for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Lead is a toxic metal that, when ingested or inhaled, has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of people and animals. When lead is ingested or inhaled in larger quantities, it can cause death. For more information on lead poisoning prevention, visit http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/lead/index.html.