The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) wishes to advise consumers to be cautious about buying costume jewellery for their children due to a possible risk of lead poisoning.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (CPSC), in cooperation with Rhode Island Novelty, recently today announced a voluntary recall of the children's "Powerpuff Girls" necklaces which are manufactured in China and sold on the international market. Consumers should stop allowing their daughters to wear these necklaces immediately.

The recalled jewellry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic and if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. No injuries were reported, however, parents are advised to take the necklace away from their children.

The recalled necklaces are multi-colored metal pendants that hang from a black cord. The pendants are in the shape of the head of one of three "Powerpuff Girls" cartoon characters. The packaging consists of purple cardboard with the three "Powerpuff Girls" cartoon characters and the words "CARTOON NETWORK" and "THE POWERPUFF GIRLS" printed on both sides.

The recalled items were sold in the U.S. at carnivals, amusement parks, family entertainment centers, small discount stores and at www.rinovelty.com, from March 2003 through November 2006 for about US$1.

Consumers should immediately take this jewellry away from children. Consumers should return the recalled jewellry to the store where purchased for a replacement or contact Rhode Island Novelty for information on how to receive a replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit the firm's website at www.rinovelty.com To see this recall on CPSC's website, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07054.html