Craft and Hobby Supplies, Tools, and Lead Balancing Weights

As new legislation and consumer safety standards evolve, manufacturers of tools, recreational equipment, and craft supplies have a responsibility to uphold these regulations and to make the according adjustments to their products. The Chanler Group's clients have found that many craft and hobby products contain detectable levels of phthalates and lead, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm. Consumers often use craft and hobby-related products on a daily basis. Repetitive use of products containing phthalates and lead increases the consumer's exposure to carcinogens and reproductive toxins. 

As a neurotoxin, lead is a highl- toxic heavy metal that affects the nervous system. Children's brains are especially susceptible to the effects of lead.  Research has shown that repeated exposure to lead cumulatively affects the developing nervous system and, over time, can lead to attention deficit, learning disabilities, short-term memory loss, behavioral problems, and diminished intellectual ability. Children under the age of six are most at risk for the developmental problems that can result from lead poisoning, due to their frequent hand-to-mouth behaviors, small body size, and still-developing immune system. 

The Chanler Group's clients have initiated Proposition 65 enforcement actions against, and have obtained numerous settlements from, companies that sell supplies, tools, and lead balancing weights designed for use in crafts and hobbies.  Many of these companies signed agreements to reformulate their products, virtually eliminating the presence of lead, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate ("DEHP"), butyl benzyl phthalate ("BBP"), and Di-n-butyl phthalate ("DBP").

To review legal agreements which The Chanler Group's clients have reached with companies that sell craft supplies, hobby supplies, tools, and lead balancing weights, please see the cases below.