Pewter, Brass & Other Metals

Pewter, Brass & Other Metals

Elevated levels of lead have been found in pewter, brass, and other metal products by clients of The Chanler Group. As a neurotoxin, lead is a heavy metal that, at elevated levels, has been known to damage the nervous system in both adults and children, especially children’s brains.  Research has shown that repeated exposure to lead cumulatively affects the developing nervous system and, over time, can lead to attention problems, learning disabilities, short-term memory loss, behavioral problems, and diminished intellectual ability.  Pewter, brass, and other metal consumer products containing lead expose consumers to this reproductive toxicant because such products are often intended for beverage consumption, food consumption, or frequent handling.   

The Chanler Group’s clients have taken action against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of metal products containing lead that were sold to consumers in the State of California without providing the required health hazard warnings.  Cases such as Leeman v. Hortense B. Hewitt Company; Party City Corporation, underscore The Chanler Group’s clients’ commitment to reformulating products such that the offensive toxin is virtually eliminated.  Where products cannot be reformulated, the firm’s clients ensure that a clear and reasonable warning is presented so that citizens can make informed decisions about their selection and use of the consumer product.

To review legal agreements which The Chanler Group’s clients have reached with companies that sell pewter, brass, and other metal products containing lead, please see the cases below.

firm casework - enforcement

December 30, 2008
Lead
Out-of-Court Settlement
On December 30, 2008, citizen enforcer Russell Brimer and settling defendant HP Industries, Inc. ("HP") entered into an out-of-court Settlement Agreement, which resolved Brimer's allegations that HP sold key chains containing the heavy metal lead in the State of California without the health hazard warnings. As part of the settlement, HP agreed not to sell...
January 18, 2007
Lead
Consent Judgment
On January 18, 2007, the San Francisco County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in Brimer v. Arte Italica, Ltd., et al., which resolved citizen enforcer Russell Brimer's allegations that the defendant, Arte Italica, Ltd. ("Arte Italica"), sold cereal bowls and other ceramic containers with pewter that contain the heavy metal lead in the State of...
December 15, 2005
Lead
Consent Judgment
The San Francisco Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in the case of Leeman v. Big Lots Stores, Inc., et al., on December 15, 2005, which resolved citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman's allegations that defendants Big Lots Stores, Inc. and PNS Stores, Inc. (collectively "Defendants") distributed and/or sold certain glass and metal terrariums or...
October 24, 2005
Lead
Consent Judgment
The Alameda County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in Leeman v. Hortense B. Hewitt Company, et al., on October 24, 2005, which resolved citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman's allegations that defendants Hortense B. Hewitt Company, Taylor Corporation, and Party City Corporation (collectively "Defendants") sold metal party charms that contain the heavy...
September 29, 2005
Lead
Consent Judgment
The San Francisco Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in Leeman v. Robinsons-May Department Store, et al., on September 29, 2005, which resolved citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman's allegations that the settling defendant, The May Department Stores Company ("May"), manufactured, distributed, and/or sold certain glass and metal lamps, candleholders, and...
September 13, 2005
Cadmium, Lead
Consent Judgment
The San Francisco County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment on September 13, 2005, in Leeman v. TJX Companies, Inc.; et al., which resolved citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman, Ph.D's allegations that the defendants Marshalls, Inc., TJ Maxx, LLC, and HomeGoods, Inc. (collectively "the TJX entities") sold glass and metal candleholders and glass...
July 15, 2005
Lead
Consent Judgment
The Alameda County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in the case of Leeman v. Joan Baker Designs, Inc., et al. on July 15, 2005, which resolved citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman's allegations that defendant Joan Baker Designs, Inc. ("Joan Baker") sold and distributed certain glass and metal home decorative products containing lead or lead compounds...
July 5, 2005
Lead
Out-Of-Court Settlement
The Alameda County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in Leeman v. Longs Drugs Stores Corporation, et al., on July 5, 2005, which resolved citizen enforcer Dr. Whitney R. Leeman's allegations that Longs Drugs Stores Corporation ("Longs") distributed or sold glass and metal terrariums with materials containing the heavy metal lead in the State of...