Disneyland Exposes Visitors to Lead, Claims Environmental Group

An environmental group has filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. after finding lead levels exceeding the legal state limit in numerous door knobs, chains, windows, and drinking fountains at Disneyland.
 
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Mateel Environmental Justice Foundation took wipe samples at various attractions throughout the amusement park. Wipe testing, in which the tester wipes their hands with a testing laboratory’s moist towelettes after touching a particular object, reveals how much lead he or she is exposed to upon contact with the item in question.
 
Mateel’s tests indicate high lead exposures at the Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan Ride, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and a stained glass window in the Village Haus restaurant, measuring 1 microgram, 9.75 micrograms, 5.82 micrograms, and 350 micrograms respectively. Other lead-tainted objects include doorknobs at Minnie’s House, stained glass windows at a beauty salon in Cinderella’s Castle, and the Sword in the Stone—where children are encouraged to pose for photographers with their hand on the sword’s handle.
 
California state law requires warnings to be posted if exposure for average users is above 0.5 micrograms, reports the Los Angeles Times. Disneyland does not post warnings nor does it cover the offending items, which is what Mateel is seeking from the lawsuit.
 
“EMSL Analytical, Inc. can test for lead in wipes, paint, soil, water, dust, and consumer products,” states Joseph Frasca, Senior VP at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “We encourage anyone who suspects lead contamination to test it. Our company offers lead testing for concerned individuals, organizations, and companies.”
 
 
 
For more information on EMSL’s testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, food, and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP of Marketing

EMSL

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com