The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·95066·Announced 1995-01-23

Doreau Designs Recalls Mercury Necklaces Due to Vapor Exposure Risk

Doreau Designs is recalling mercury necklaces because broken vials can release vapor causing long-term health problems.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (mercury vapor) where long-term health problems are possible, but no injuries or illnesses are reported in the source text, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for theoretical or unreported harm.

Plain-English summary

Doreau Designs of Carlsbad, Calif., is voluntarily recalling two styles of necklaces that contain small vials or glass balls filled with liquid mercury. The necklaces feature either a one-inch glass vial or a dime-sized glass ball attached to a 24-inch beaded chain or leather strand. Approximately 1,200 units were imported from Mexico and sold between January and December 1994 for $9.99 each.

The recall was initiated after the Washington State Department of Health reported that a vial broke in a public school, requiring student evacuation. While the mercury vials pose no immediate health threat, exposure to the vapor released if the glass breaks can cause long-term health problems, particularly for small children and pregnant women.

Consumers who purchased these necklaces should return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Those unable to return the items to the original retailer should mail them to Doreau Designs at 2724 Levante St., Carlsbad, CA 92009 for a refund including postage. Questions can be directed to Sylvain Pierre Doreau at (619) 436-0121.

The recalled product

Product
CPSC And Doreau Designs Announce Recall Of Mercury Necklaces
Manufacturer
Doreau Designs
Category
Consumer Product — Jewelry
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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