August 22, 2007: SpongeBob Address Books and Journals Recall

Several color and design combinations of both the journals and address books were recalled; images here represent only some of the recalled products.

As kids gear up to head back to school, parents should take note of what's in their backpacks: About 250,000 SpongeBob SquarePants address books and journals are being recalled, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Recall Reason

The CPSC states that the paint on the metal spiral bindings of the address books and journals can contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. (Learn more about the dangers of childhood lead poisoning.)

Do You Own These Books?

Click here to see the official recall release and photos.

The recall involves address books and journals with a SpongeBob SquarePants character on the front cover and a black metal spiral binding. The UPC numbers (80773007505 for the address book and 80773002260, 80773075501 and 80773007551 for the journal) are printed on the back covers.

The books were sold at retail stores nationwide from June 2006 through July 2007 for about $2.

Who to Contact

The CPSC recommends consumers immediately take the recalled address books and journals away from children. Consumers should remove the UPC as proof of ownership and contact importer Martin Designs Inc. for a full refund: toll-free at (866) 898-0261 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or at www.martindesigns-ltd.com