According to a recent lawsuit filed against Disneyland multiple attractions at the amusement park contain high levels of lead. The Mateel Environmental Justice Foundation claims that the tests they have conducted found nearly twenty times the legal limit in some rides. One sample taken from the stained-glass Pinocchio window at the Village Haus restaurant contained nearly 350 micrograms of exposed lead. California state law requires warnings to be posted where exposure to lead exceeds 0.5 micrograms per day.
I had heard about this while watching the morning news and was immediately interested in researching it for a post. Upon doing so I found that not only was Disneyland aware that these attractions contained lead, they felt they had complied with all “signage requirements” per state law. I was surprised by Disney’s statement and that they had not considered replacing the toxic metal. I also think it’s irresponsible to simply require a sign to warn the general public that an amusement park attraction contains unsafe amounts of lead according to California state law. I don’t think anyone would notice or actually consider a “Lead Warning” while enjoying a fun day out with their family.
While no one has come forward stating that they are suffering from lead poisoning it should be mentioned that it is extremely difficult to diagnose. Ms. Hartmann has a good point about Disney’s reluctance to remove the toxic metal “Disney certainly has the money to buy a few non-toxic hunks of metal, and it seems like it would be worth it to get environmental groups off their case – not to mention, ensure that kids really aren’t poisoning themselves at the park.” This makes sense to me not only on Disney’s behalf but also in regards to California state law. If the metal is toxic it should be removed.