The Mateel Environmental Justice Foundation sued Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. Inc., alleging excessive levels of lead in the park’s attractions. Lead attacks the nervous and reproductive systems, causes cognitive and behavioral changes and increases the risk of cancer.
Mateel is seeking an injunction requiring the amusement park to cover the lead containing items or post health warnings. According to Mateel, attractions, such as the Sword in the Stone, Minnie’s House, and Cinderella’s Castle, contain excessive levels of lead. Mateel conducted tests earlier in the year to determine lead levels in Disney’s attractions. The tests found hand lead exposures ranging from 1 microgram to 350 micrograms. However, under state law, warnings are required if an object exposes users to .5 micrograms of lead or higher. Mateel contends that Disney provides inadequate warnings to its patrons.