RECALL: SpongeBob SquarePants Address Books & journals Due to Lead Paint Violations

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Martin Designs Inc. of Ohio, today announced a voluntary recall of about 250,000 SpongeBob SquarePants™ Address Books and Journals. The paint on the metal spiral bindings of the address books and journals can contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. There were no injuries or incidents reported. The recall involves address books and journals with SpongeBob SquarePants™ character on the front cover and a black metal spiral binding. The UPC numbers (80773007505 for the address book and 80773002260 and 80773075501 for the journal) are printed on the back covers. They were sold at retail stores nationwide from June 2006 through July 2007 for about $2 and manufactured in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled address books and journals away from children. Consumers should remove the UPC as proof of ownership and contact Martin Designs Inc. for a full refund.
For additional information, contact Martin Designs Inc. toll-free at 866- 898-0261 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit http://www.martindesigns-ltd.com/