Collectible Helmets Recalled due to Mold Contamination and Exposure Concerns

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of approximately 20,000 collectible helmets associated with a popular video game this past September. The helmets were made overseas and sold online through a major U.S. gaming merchandiser and electronics retailer.

The CPSC reports the hazard that initiated the recall was due to mold contamination. According to the commission, mold can be present on the fabric insert inside the helmet, posing a risk of respiratory or other infections in individuals with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs or an allergy to mold.

Health professionals have long recognized that molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Repeated or a single exposure to mold, mold spores, or mold fragments may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold. Repeated exposures have the potential to increase sensitivity. Exposure to mold can even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition. As an irritant, mold can bother people’s eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs, even if they are not allergic to mold.

The facility at MPL Laboratories is fully equipped and accredited to provide testing for a broad spectrum of microbes and other contaminants that could be present in a variety of goods and products. Testing takes place in MPL’s FDA registered and cGMP, ISO 17025 compliant laboratory. These services not only protect the public from exposure risks, they are also vital to avoid costly product recalls, damaging public relations and the potential legal fees that companies that manufacture, import and distribute contaminated products encounter all too frequently.

To learn more about testing services for consumer goods, cosmetics, personal care products or pharmaceuticals, please contact MPL Laboratories at www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874 or email  info@MPLLaboratories.com .


About MPL Laboratories

MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA and DEA registered, and NJDEP certified. MPL’s staff includes a PhD Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, and other dedicated scientists. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic, personal care and food industries. MPL aims to provide its clients with high quality, reliable test data in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of over 40 laboratories across the United States and Canada.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

MPL Laboratories

(1) 856-303-25003

Contact via E-mail