High lead levels detected in Paw Patrol Easter mugs spark parental concern

As families eagerly prepare for Easter celebrations, revelations regarding the safety of Paw Patrol-themed merchandise have sparked widespread concern.

Scientist, mother, and founder of ‘Leadawarenz’ Ananda Card, has uncovered elevated levels of lead in this year's batch of Paw Patrol-themed Easter mugs, similar to the levels seen in previous years, prompting questions about potential health risks for children. 

While assurances have been provided regarding compliance with New Zealand's regulatory safety standards, there is uncertainty over the risk of lead contamination from the exterior surfaces of these products.

Ananda Card's independent investigation, utilizing advanced X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, has revealed elevated lead levels exceeding 50,000 parts per million (ppm) in this year's batch of the mugs' outer surfaces. The highest was the 2020 batch with a positive XRF swab of 160,000-419,0000 ppm. 

Erin Evis, a qualified naturopath and medical herbalist, has highlighted gaps in current regulations, particularly regarding the potential for increased lead exposure due to wear and tear on these products over time. She found high levels of lead in her son's Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) , sparking her to test some of her dinner plates for lead. To  her surprise almost all results indicated straight away there was lead, and she says the Paw Patrol mugs are just a continuation of this. 

Dean Moule, representing The Warehouse, which is a major retailer of these items, says their merchandise undergoes comprehensive testing and meets regulatory requirements before going out on the shelves.

Although meeting the New Zealand's relevant product safety standards’ legal limit of 1,000 ppm for interior lead content, the higher levels detected on the exterior are a cause for concern for many,  and raise questions about the effectiveness of current testing methods.

Mothers around Christchurch share their concerns regarding the availability of the Paw Patrol merchandise. First time Mum, Brodie Virk, states she always tries her best to buy the safest products for her son, and that Easter isn’t something she would have thought twice about. 

Resene worker and mum of three, Tyrrie Morris, says working with paint has given her a veteran insight to the dangers of lead, but she would have easily purchased the mug without second guessing the potential dangers.

Ananda Card mentions these mugs are just one of many she has tested, and the urge grows for New Zealand to put a halt to selling products that contain lead, as there are no safe levels.