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& Learn™ 2-in-1 Learning Kitchen™ Recall Fisher-Price recalls 1M toys - WASHINGTON (AP) -- Toy-maker Fisher-Price is recalling 83 types of toys -- including the popular Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and Diego characters -- because their paint contains excessive amounts of lead. As reported by CNN - Learn more Mattel recalls 9 million toys from China Posted by The Associated Press August 14, 2007 12:05PM Categories: Breaking News WASHINGTON (AP) -- Toy-making giant Mattel Inc. issued recalls Tuesday for about 9 million Chinese-made toys that contain magnets that can be swallowed by children or could have lead paint. The recalls includes 7.3 million play sets, including Polly Pocket dolls and Batman action figures, and 253,000 die cast cars that contain lead paint. The action was announced on the company's Web site and at a news conference here by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Nancy A. Nord,
acting CPSC chairman, said no injuries had been reported with any
of the products involved in the new recall. Several injuries had
been reported in an earlier Polly Pocket recall last November. It was the latest blow to the toy industry, which has had a string of recalled products from China. With more than 80 percent of toys sold worldwide made in China, toy sellers are nervous that shoppers will shy away from their products. The recall involving lead paint was Mattel's second in two weeks. Earlier this month, consumers were warned about 1.5 million Chinese-made toys that contain lead paint. "There is no excuse for lead to be found in toys entering this country," Nord said. "It's totally unacceptable and it needs to stop." Toys recalled Tuesday include 253,000 "Sarge" cars, because the surface paint could contain lead levels in excess of federal standard. The 2 1/2-inch, 1-inch high car looks like a military jeep. Also recalled were 345,000 Batman and "One Piece" action figures, 683,000 Barbie and Tanner play sets and 1 million Doggie Day Care play sets. In full-page ads Tuesday in The New York Times and other newspapers, Mattel said it was "one of the most trusted names with parents" and was "working extremely hard to address your concerns and continue creating safe, entertaining toys for you and your children." The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which negotiated details of Mattel's recalls, reported that since its recall of Polly Pockets play sets in Nov. 11, three children had been injured by swallowing more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attach to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal. Last March, another toy company, Mega Brands Inc., recalled 3.8 million Magnetix magnetic building sets after one child died and four others were seriously injured after swallowing tiny magnets in them. Two weeks ago, Mattel's Fisher-Price division announced the worldwide recall of 1.5 million Chinese-made preschool toys featuring characters such as Dora the Explorer, Big Bird and Elmo. About 967,000 of those toys were sold in the United States between May and August. Mattel discovered the latest problem while they were investigating the earlier recall, Nord said. Mattel officials maintained that a European retailer discovered the lead in some of the lead-covered Fisher-Price products in early July. On July 6, the company halted operations at the factory in China that produced the toys and launched an investigation. Days after the Fisher-Price recall, Chinese officials temporarily banned the toys' manufacturer, Lee Der Industrial Co., from exporting products. A Lee Der co-owner, Cheung Shu-hung, committed suicide at a warehouse over the weekend, apparently by hanging himself, a state-run newspaper reported Monday. Lee Der was under pressure in the global controversy over the safety of Chinese-made products, and it is common for disgraced officials to commit suicide in China. After Mattel announced the recall of its Fisher-Price toys, it launched a full-scale investigation into all of its factories in China. Before
this month, Fisher-Price and parent company Mattel had never before
recalled toys because of lead paint.
Units: About 16,000 Importer/Retailer: Toys “R” Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J. Manufacturer: Toy World Group Ltd/Chun Tat Toys Factory Limited, of Guangdong, China Hazard: Surface coatings on the toys contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recall involves four military-style Elite Operations toys, including Super Rigs (#1004), Command Patrol Center (#1020), Barracuda Helicopter (#1023), and 3 Pack 8-inch Figures (#1024). The product number is located on the toy’s packaging. Sold at: Toys “R” Us stores nationwide and toysrus.com from July 2007 through October 2007 for between $10 and $30. No other Elite Operations brand military play sets are included in this recall. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the toy away from children, and return them to any Toys “R” Us for a full refund or store credit. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Toys “R” Us at (800) 869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.toysrus.com 
NEWS
from CPSC Units: About 2,600 Importer: Schylling Associates Inc., of Rowley, Mass. Hazard: Surface paints on the robot contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The “Robot 2000” is a battery-operated, tin robot standing 12” tall. It has a red light on the head and chest panels that open. Sold at: Specialty toy stores and gift shops nationwide from October 2006 through September 2007 for about $25. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Schylling to receive a refund or free replacement toy. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Schylling at (800) 767-8697 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.schylling.com As
Reported by Sierra
Club: Every child is at risk for exposure to toys containing lead. Every parent needs to take important steps to keep their kids out of harm's way. For More Information about Lead Poisoning and Children: -
Lawsuit: Sierra Club Takes Action to Protect Children from Lead
Exposure Halloween Pails - no treat The
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced voluntary recalls
of more children's products manufactured in China. Also recalled Tuesday, Children’s Toy Gardening Tools, Football Bobble Head Cake Decorations and Purple Halloween Pails with Witch Decorations, also because of high levels of lead paint. Lead
Test Your Toys More thoughts from the Publisher... To all the people who look at
toys made of lead and as many who smoke cigarettes do, ignore the
facts and move on, let me ask you a question. Virtually everything
we eat, drink, or enjoy today is made from synthetic chemicals.
There has been several articles written about cigarettes containing
rat poison and yet there are more smokers today than ever before.
Have you ever asked yourself why we do things to ourselves that
we know are bad and will be harmful to our lives? I'm sure every
reader has his or her reason. However, the reason that tops the
list is we are a people that looks for instant gratification. When
we look at the ingredients on the side of a cereal box we can't
pronounce some of the ingredients. Yet it has become a staple for
the young and old. Consider this. Virtually everything we put into
our system either voluntarily or as a result of a gift can be harmful
to our health. Our life is made up of chemicals. Lead paint on our
favorite toys have been recalled because they can kill our loved
ones. Objects, whether they are considered toys or apparrel can
be chewed or swallowed. The result can either be choking or dying
from the contaminents in the cloth that contains a chemical dye
that is poisonous. Most of us get caught up in cost, appearance
or satisfaction. Unfortunately, today lead is the topic of the day.
Other equally dangerous substances have been overlooked but will
eventually surface. They will surface after they have been determined
to be fatal. Don't wait for the next hot topic of the day. Stay
ahead of the next fatal material and make choices that can be enjoyed
rather than be the potential killer that has been overlooked.
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From
The Publisher:
Grandparents should rethink their gift list. Grandparents
get greater satisfaction out of buying for their grandchildren than they
get from buying for themselves. However, all that generosity can put you
priceless grandchild in harms way.
Too many people are ignoring the alarm over toys containing lead. Many
think that first, this concern goes beyond lead. If you’re one of
the smart grandparents and take heed to the lead alarm, do you realize
that a concern for alternative gifts can be much greater. We also have
our minds wrapped around the misguided thought that if it is made in the
USA, it’s safe; not always. For years, the numbers of people which
have now grown exponentially with the Baby Boomers coming of age, buying
gifts for our children or our grandchildren has consumed up a significant
percent of our discretionary income.
Unfortunately, this year we have become acutely aware of toys containing
lead. We’re hearing the word, “Recall” more often today
than in the past. The largest toy manufacturers are recalling hundreds
of thousands of toys made in China. What few realize is that when you
fear the purchase of toys made in China, you alternatively will turn your
buying habits toward a suitable substitute. Do you realize the word “Recall”
applies to hundreds of other items? Is the baby sweater you bought, contain
a color dye that might be a contaminant?
The best way to sum up the concern for what is manufactured anywhere in
this world is the cost of goods sold dictates how things are produced.
Unfortunately, the problem is not limited to toys. We should force every
governing body to do the right thing. From Pharmaceuticals to the necklaces
that our children wear, the concern has reached pandemic proportions.
If you recognize that there is more to worry about than toys made in China,
go to www.cpsc.gov/recentrecalls.html.
I am absolutely sure you’ll be enlightened. I’m not so sure
that your next purchase will be based on what you read. That decision
will be yours. Our purpose is to make you aware. It is not our place to
make your buying decisions.
Test-For-Lead.com
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Also test for detection of poisonous lead on other household products that have been know to contain lead:
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Units: About 967,000 Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y. Hazard: Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recalled involves various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled toys, which are all marked with "Fisher-Price," are listed below. The toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the product or packaging. Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $5 and $40. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer's choice (up to the value of the returned product). Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com CPSC Toy Recall Product List: click here |
HEALTH
EFFECTS OF LEAD Many older houses may still contain substantial amounts of lead paint and plumbing. White lead paint has been withdrawn from sale in industrialized countries, but the yellow lead chromate is still in use. It is generally recommended that old paint should not be stripped by sanding, as this generates inhalable dust. Lead salts used in pottery glazes have on occasion caused poisoning, when acid drinks, such as fruit juices, have leached lead ions out of the glaze. It has been suggested that what was known as "Devon colic" arose from the use of lead-lined presses to extract apple juice in the manufacture of cider. Lead is considered to be particularly harmful for women's ability to reproduce. For that reason many universities do not hand out lead-containing samples to women for instructional laboratory analyses. Lead acetate (also known as sugar of lead) was used by the Roman Empire as a sweetener for wine, and some consider this to be the cause of the dementia which affected many of the Roman Emperors. The rainbow sparkle in lead crystal glass or crystal toasting flute is the lead content reflecting the light. The more lead, the more sparkle. It has been suggested not to not put acid fruit drinks in crystal glasses. In California, Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted. The Proposition was intended by its authors to protect California citizens and the State's drinking water sources from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals. If you reside in California, look into Proposition 65 for complete details. Lead
as a soil contaminant is a widespread issue, since lead is present
in natural deposits and may also enter soil through (leaded) gasoline
leaks from underground storage tanks or through a wastestream of
lead paint or lead grindings from certain industrial operations. LEAD,
A TOXIC METAL Acute lead poisoning is less common now than before lead's toxicity was known. Nevertheless, with higher environmental lead levels, subtle health effects from small doses are being detected. Children risk premature birth, smaller stature, and lower mental development, and adult men may have higher blood pressure. Airborne lead concentrations in American cities are tens of thousands of times higher than before lead mining began. The good new is that there are definitely things each of us can do to reduce our own exposure to lead. FACTS
ABOUT LEAD POISONING These symptoms are sometimes overlooked by doctors and are not properly diagnosed as lead poisoning, since they are vague. The Centers for Disease Control considers lead to be the greatest environmental health risk to children as their immune systems are still in the developmental stages!
TOY RECALLS Shrek and Spiderman Jewelry Recalled Due to Risk of Lead ExposureEffective - October 25, 2007 Name
of Product: WeGlow Children’s Metal Jewelry Importer: WeGlow International, of Virginia Beach, Va. Hazard: The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description:
This lead recall involves WeGlow children’s flashing rings.
The character-themed rings were sold in Shrek the Third and Spiderman
3 designs. The rings have item number 920422 printed on back of
the packaging. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately take this recalled jewelry away from children and return it to the store where purchased for a refund. Consumer
Contact: For additional information, contact WeGlow toll-free at
(866) 934- 5692 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday,
or visit the firm’s Web site at www.weglow.com Mattel
Product Recalls - As reported by Mattel Consumer
Answer Center. Learn
more. Retiro del mercado de juguetes Laugh and Learn™ 2-in-1 Learning Kitchen™ Rappel
du coffret La Cuisine Interactive 2-dans-1 Laugh and LearnMD US
& Canada GO
Diego Go!™ Retiro del mercado de bote de rescate de animales
(Animal Rescue Boat) por violación relacionada con el uso
de pintura a base de plomo Shrek and Spiderman Jewelry Recalled Due to Risk of Lead ExposureEffective - October 25, 2007 Name of Product: WeGlow Children’s Metal Jewelry Units: About 110,000 Importer: WeGlow International, of Virginia Beach, Va. Hazard: The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: This lead recall involves WeGlow children’s flashing rings. The character-themed rings were sold in Shrek the Third and Spiderman 3 designs. The rings have item number 920422 printed on back of the packaging. Sold exclusively at: Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Dollar Express, Greenbacks and Only $1 stores nationwide from December 2005 through August 2007 for $1. Manufactured in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately take this recalled jewelry away from children and return it to the store where purchased for a refund. Consumer
Contact: For additional information, contact WeGlow toll-free at
(866) 934- 5692 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday,
or visit the firm’s Web site at www.weglow.com NEWS
from CPSC Fisher-Price
Recalls Licensed Character Toys Due To Lead Poisoning Hazard
Units: About 967,000 Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y. Hazard: Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Incidents/Injuries: None reported. Description: The recalled involves various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled toys, which are all marked with "Fisher-Price," are listed below. The toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the product or packaging. Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $5 and $40. Manufactured
in: China Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer's choice (up to the value of the returned product). Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com Parents
and Grand Parents comment on lead poisening and toy recalls at MeganCares.com |
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