Systems furniture manufacturer MillerKnoll is recalling a series of combination desks and storage cabinets due to a violation of a federal lead paint ban. The Eames Desk Units and Eames Storage Units are the specific products being recalled. The surface paint on the tan side panels of the desks and storage units contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, posing a lead poisoning hazard. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
The units are made from wood and steel joined with metal fasteners. They were sold in two color schemes: natural color that includes tan, gray, white and black panels; and multicolor that includes tan, white, black, red, yellow and blue panels. The product number is printed on the label located on the bottom surface of the bottom panel, rear left of the Eames Storage Units (ESU) and Eames Desk Units (EDU) beneath the black Herman Miller medallion. The SKU number may appear on consumers’ product order confirmation. The violative tan panel is utilized in the following desks and storage units.
Consumers should stop using the recalled desks and storage units immediately. Contact MillerKnoll for either a full refund and free pickup of the desks and storage units, or to receive a free repair kit that includes a replacement panel requiring a screwdriver and a needle nose plier for consumers to install. MillerKnoll is contacting all purchasers directly.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
