Editor’s Note: A statement from Dollar Tree has been added.

OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A major discount chain has received a hefty fine after an investigation found high levels of toxins in children’s school supplies.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson said Thursday, Aug. 1 the office entered a resolution with Greenbriar International – who does business as Dollar Tree – in order to avoid a lawsuit.

The resolution requires Dollar Tree to pay $190,000 and thoroughly test children’s products the company sells.

The Washington Department of Ecology found more than four times the legal limit of lead and four times the legal limit of cadmium in pencil pouches and children’s bracelets sold in the state in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

The nearly $200,000 will go towards the office’s enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act and environmental protection efforts.

A spokesperson for the discount chain provided this written statement regarding the settlement:

“Dollar Tree is committed to selling quality products, maintaining a safe environment for associates and customers, and complying with all laws and regulations. We have an advanced product testing program and will further enhance the product testing processes for our vendors and their products with the third-party testing laboratories. We have worked cooperatively with Washington State to resolve this matter.”