The Center for Environmental (CEH) said it has reached a legal agreement with Gaming Partners International (GPI) and 21 California casinos and card rooms to eliminate lead from gaming chips.

"We are pleased to see the gaming industry taking this step to eliminate lead threats to their patrons and employees," CEH Research Director Caroline Cox said in a press statement. "Lead can pose serious health risks to the players and dealers who handle gaming chips on a regular basis, and is a special concern for pregnant women."

Conditions of the agreement were not disclosed at this time.

According to CEH, GPI's chips, which previously contained as much as 47 percent lead, will as of Nov. 1, 2008 be legally required in California to contain no more than .005 percent lead.

The 21 California casinos and card rooms named in the settlement reached today include:
California Commerce Club, Inc.
Cameo Club
Capitol Casino
Casino Poker Club
Casino Real
Club One Casino, Inc.
The 500 Club
Golden West Casino
Hustler Casino
Kelly's
Lake Bowl Cardroom
Limelight Card Rooms
Lucky Derby Casino
The Nineteenth Hole General Partnership
Ocean View Card Room
Palace Card Club
Phoenix Casino and Lounge, Inc.
The Players Club
Rogelio's, Inc.
Turlock Poker Room
Village Club Card Room
GPI USA specializes in making gaming chips for the worldwide market. The company manufactures Paul-Son chips, Bud Jones chips and is the exclusive distributor for B&G value chips and plaques. Twenty-eight of the 30 largest U.S.-based casinos use Paul-Son or Bud Jones chips, according to the company.