More Toys Recalled Because of Lead Paint

August 15, 2007 -- AUGUSTA – The Department of Health and Human Services’ Maine Center for Disease Control (Maine CDC) wants to remind Maine parents what they can do about common toys that have been recently recalled because they contain lead.

“Since we know that lead poisoning affects the developing brains of young children, it is alarming to hear that once again a common toy is being recalled because of lead paint.” commented Dr. Dora Anne Mills, Director of the Maine CDC.

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently recalled several Fisher-Price and Mattel character toys because of lead paint. These include Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer toys that are popular with toddlers. Those that are recalled were sold between May and August 2007.

Children who put these toys in their mouths, or who play with the toys and put their hands in their mouths may get lead poisoned. The CPSC is not aware of any lead poisoning linked to these specific toys. Children younger than 3 years of age are at most risk, especially if they frequently put their hands or their toys in their mouths. Pictures of the toys and additional information are available on CPSC’s website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07257.html and http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07270.html

Mills encouraged Maine families to follow these simple steps:

o If you know you have these toys, take them away from children. Call Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498 or Mattel at (800) 916-4997 for free replacement toys.

o If you know you have the recalled toys and your children are less than 3 years old – especially if your child has not had a recent blood lead test - contact your health care provider about having a blood lead screening test.

o If you have Fisher-Price or Mattel Toys but are not sure if you have the toys in question, you can test them with a lead test kit from your local hardware store.

o Call the Maine CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program if you have any questions at: 1-866-292-3474.

Source: Maine Department of Health and Human Services