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Cal Boating has learned that paint on nylon logo disks, distributed by the department at promotional events and boat shows during the last 12 months, contain lead.   The orange paint used in the center of the logo (see picture) has a lead content that could be harmful if the paint is ingested by humans, dogs or other animals.

There are no health risks for people who use the disk in a manner consistent with its design, throwing it back and forth.  However, if a human or animal were to chew on the disk for a period of time long enough to ingest any of the orange paint an unsafe exposure to lead could result.

Cal Boating recommends that the disks, not considered hazardous waste, be disposed of in a normal manner.

For more information about lead exposure, visit:

• California Department of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch Web site at www.dhs.ca.gov/childlead/html/faq.html.
• Department of Toxic Substances Control’s hazardous waste Web site at www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Lead.cfm.