This November 3, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) shared an alert in its X account for those who have purchased a bracelet in one of the branches of the H&M store because it contains high levels of lead.
The agency reported: “H&M calls on consumers who have purchased the Lithuania bracelet, this represents a risk to their health. The campaign is valid indefinitely to obtain a full refund.”
In the Profeco document dated September 13, it is noted that the product has already been removed from physical stores, from its website and from the application. They also ask those who have purchased it to stop using it immediately. Finally, they must return it to the nearest H&M point of sale where they will receive a full refund.
They also detailed that 589 pieces were put up for sale and that until August 30, 2023: “there are no reports, claims or information on whether the product has generated any damage or injury to consumers in Mexican territory.”
Mexico is not the only place where this accessory was sold, as the National Consumer Service of Chile also called on its population to return the Lithuania bracelet if they had acquired it.
In addition, they indicated that these were manufactured in Italy, that 678 units were put on sale in their country and that 644 remained in stock.
The risks of lead
According to theWorld Health Organization(WHO), lead is a toxic metal that generates environmental pollution and human health, as it affects the cardiovascular, neurological and hematological systems.
Furthermore, the WHO points out: “children are especially vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of lead, and even relatively low levels of exposure can cause serious and in some cases irreversible neurological damage.”
In minors, some of the symptoms of lead poisoning are: developmental delay, learning difficulties, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, hearing loss and seizures.
In the case of adults: high blood pressure, headache, abdominal pain, joint and muscle pain; difficulties with memory, spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal death or premature birth in pregnant women.