Group claims lead levels too high at Disneyland

by Leah Zanolla
Oct 20, 2011

An environmental group is suing Disney, saying that lead levels in Disneyland Park are too high. Mateel Environmental Justice Foundation filed their suit on October 18, stating that lead levels on some surfaces are up to 700 times higher than state safety standards. They are calling for Disney to fix the problem, or at the very least, post signs warning theme park guests about the danger. The private group claims Disney is violating California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986(Proposition 65), which states that people must be warned of the potential for lead exposure.

Mateel sent an investigator to the California parks five times from June 2010 to October 2011. Among other things, he tested brass railings, a water fountain, the Sword in the Stone attraction and several stained glass windows. Current state safety standards require a warning sign if people are exposed to more than 0.5 micrograms per day. Mateel states that they couldn't find any warning signs posted in the parks.

According to the report Mateel filed, some high lead levels found include:
Pinocchio stained glass window at Village Haus Restaurant: 350 micrograms
Stained glass window at Pinocchio's Daring Journey ride: 29 micrograms
Brass doorknob at Mickey's House in Mickey's Toontown: 18 micrograms
Brass library lamp at Innoventions in Tomorrowland: 1,300 micrograms
Brass rail at Ariel's Undersea Adventure at Disney's California Adventure: 5.7 micrograms

Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown responded with a statement. "The claims this plaintiff has made have been baseless. The Disneyland Resort fully complies with Proposition 65 and has always been committed to providing a safe environment for all its guests."

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