Pirate costumes seized due to high levels of lead October 15, 2012 -- Updated 2214 GMT (0614 HKT) Authorities seized shipments of pirate costumes made in China that contained more than 11 times the allowable level of lead. Costumes made for children had 11 times allowable lead limit Shipments were headed to a distributor in Seattle; costumes will be destroyed (CNN) -- Authorities have seized more than 1,000 pirate costumes made in China and destined for sale in Washington state because they contained high levels of lead, officials said. Shipments worth $10,000 were on the way to a distributor in Seattle when they were seized by U.S. customs officials. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found the costumes contained more than 11 times the allowable level of lead. Officials did not specify when the seizures occurred but said the tainted products will be destroyed.