High lead results spurs Elmer's to review safety standards

Ohio-based Elmer's Products says it has launched areview following the release of a study that suggested the company's glue sticks exceed safe lead standards.

The company releaseda statement Monday after Consumer Reports magazine issued a warning to consumers about unsafe lead levels in a range of products, including the caps on seven Elmer's glue sticks featuring Dora the Explorer, Diego, and SpongeBob SquarePants characters.

Elmer's said it is consulting its Canadian supplier about the matter.

"Elmer's has initiated a rigorous review and analytical process to investigate the validity of the reported findings regarding the caps of select Elmer's glue sticks," the company said in a release.

"We've made this investigation a top priority and if we discover that Elmer's has anything to correct, you can rest assured that we will do the right thing and we will do so immediately," said Bruce MacDougall, president and CEO of Elmer's.

Consumer Reports also said testing showed unsafe levels of lead were found in toys, dishware, jewelry and backpacks that have not been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

High amounts of lead can harm the nervous system, kidneys and other major organs. Anemia, a decline in red blood cells, can occur, as well as damage to the nervous system that may impair mental function. Lead poisoning can also cause seizures or death.