Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Diane E. Watson (CA-33rd) today sent a letter to the Kellogg Company, asking it to reconsider selling cereal boxes that contain a Spider-Man toy powered by a mercury battery. The novelty item, named Spidey-Signal, is part of a promotion for the Spider-Man 2 motion picture, released in theaters yesterday.
“I find it incredible that the Kellogg Company has chosen to package and promote a toy that contains mercury and is placed in direct proximity to food eaten in large part by children,” Congresswoman Watson remarked. “Mercury is one of the most hazardous substances known to man. It is lethal in even very small quantities. The health risks Spidey-Signal poses to children, as well as adults, are very real if the toy is dismantled, used improperly, or the battery begins to leak.”
“In addition, I am very concerned about Spidey-Signal’s potential impact on our environment, given the possibility that many of these toys will be disposed of improperly and eventually find their way to our nation’s landfills. The Kellogg Company correctly informs consumers to dispose of the toy properly, but fails to provide any information on appropriate disposal procedures.
“Spider-Man is a comic book character who is transformed into a super hero by an experiment run amuck. We cannot afford, however, in the real world to experiment with the health of our children. Placing a toy that contains mercury in cereals consumed by children is an experiment that potentially can run amuck. Our children will not experience the same fate of being turned into a super hero when exposed to mercury.
“Mercury should not be part of any children’s toys, nor should it be found on our breakfast tables.”
Congresswoman Watson is Ranking Member of the House of Representative’s Government Reform Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness, which has held several hearings on mercury. She is also author of legislation (H.R. 1680) that phases out the use of mercury in dental amalgams.
The full text of Congresswoman Watson’s letter to Kellogg’s is attached:
Carlos M. Gutierrez
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Kellogg Company
1 Kellogg Square
P.O. Box 3599
Battle Creek, MI 49016-3599
Dear Mr. Gutierrez:
I am very concerned by the Kellogg Company’s decision to place in its cereal boxes a promotional toy, named Spidey-Signal, that is powered by a mercury battery. Mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to man. It is lethal in even very small quantities. The health risks Spidey-Signal poses to children, as well as adults, are very real if the toy is dismantled, used improperly, or the battery begins to leak.
In addition, I am very concerned about Spidey-Signal’s potential impact on our environment, given the possibility that many of these toys will be disposed of improperly and eventually find their way to our nation’s landfills. The Kellogg Company correctly tells consumers to dispose of the toy properly, but fails to provide any information on appropriate disposal procedures.
It is well known that human exposure to mercury can result in serious, life-threatening health problems. The long-term effects of mercury in the air, ground, and water are well documented. Exposure to mercury, or its vapor, can result in nervous system damage, tremors, and personality alterations. If digested, it can cause neurological and developmental disorders in an unborn fetus. Mercury is so potent that, at the very lowest levels of exposure, it can trigger serious brain, lung, and kidney damage in humans, or death.
In recent years, the federal government has banned or phased out the use of mercury in paints and certain pesticides, limited its use in cosmetics, established disposal requirements for waste containing mercury, and issued health warnings about mercury in fish. Many states are now reviewing their laws and regulations on the use of mercury in products. California’s Proposition 65 declares that mercury is a neurotoxin and hazardous substance. As you may know, Connecticut has recently instituted a zero-tolerance ban on the use of mercury in all novelty items.
I once again want to strongly encourage the Kellogg Company to reconsider its promotion of the Spidey-Signal toy. Mercury should not be part of any children’s toy, nor should it be found on our breakfast tables.
Thank you for your consideration of this very serious matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Diane E. Watson,
Member of Congress
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