State officials from the state Department of Toxic Substances Control have filed a lawsuit against 16 downtown Los Angeles jewelry stores and distributors, accusing them of selling items with toxic levels of lead.

The jewelry seized was mainly inexpensive adult and children’s jewelry.  Adults and children exposed to high levels of lead can suffer severe health effects, including nausea, anemia, abdominal pain and in some cases death, the lawsuit said. Young children are particularly susceptible to high levels of lead in jewelry

The lawsuit filed by the state attorney general’s office in Los Angeles County Superior Court, seeks to stop the illegal practices, which carry fines of as much as $2,500 per piece of jewelry.

Defendants include: Joia Trading Inc.; Alljoy Supply; Adore Accessories Inc.; Ana Trading Co.; Ann Kim Fashion Accessory; Asian Trading Inc.; DA Big Inc.; Eastern Nationwide Inc.; EFM Group Inc.; Jove Imports Inc.; Luxy Accessories Inc.; Miju International; New Rising Sun Inc.; Sam’s Accessories Inc.; RJ Imports; and S.G. Imports Inc.