Many toys recalled due to high-lead content are still on store shelves

August 29, 2007

FROM: TOMPKINS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT and
CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY

Days after the recent recalls of popular children’s toys by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, many of these toys were still being sold in toy stores, drugstores, and other retail locations in New York State. Quickly responding to this situation, state officials announced last week that New York would go beyond the voluntary recalls and take further action to get lead-contaminated and other unsafe children’s toys off store shelves. In Tompkins County, health department staff has started checking local stores this week to make sure that recalled toys and other children’s products are not still being sold to consumers.

[For a list of unusual sources of lead, click here]

Which toys have been recalled?

Over a million toys have been recalled since June of this year for lead contamination, including licensed character toys such as Sesame Street, Thomas and Friends, Dora the Explorer, and others. In addition, children’s jewelry, pieces of clothing, and other products have also been recalled this year. For a complete list of lead-related toy recalls, visit the State Department of Health's Lead Hazard Product Recall Web site at http://www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/lead/recalls/ or the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov. Consumers can also call the New York State Consumer Protection Board hotline at 1-800-697-1220.

Locally, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County maintains a list of Unusual Sources of Lead Poisoning on their website, http://ccetompkins.org/consumer/lead, which includes these recalled products as well as other lead-contaminated products. Or call the Cooperative Extension Consumer HelpLine at (607) 272-2292. The list is also available on the Health Department website; click here

If my child has one of these toys, what should I do?

First, children should not be allowed to play with recalled toys. Put the toys in a place where children cannot find them, until the toys can be returned or destroyed as directed.

Second, the State Department of Health recommends that parents discuss the need for a blood lead test with their health care provider. A blood lead test should be done for all children less than age 6 who have played with one of these toys, especially if the child frequently chews on toys or puts toys in his or her mouth, or has frequent hand-to-mouth activity that is typical of young children. The Tompkins County Health Department can also serve as a valuable resource on childhood lead poisoning prevention and testing.

As a reminder, all children should receive routine blood lead tests at age one and again at age two. Ask your health care provider if this test has been done on your child.

For information on how to return the toys for replacement or refund, check the State Health Department's Web site at http://www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/lead/recalls/ or the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov.

What if a child doesn't have health insurance that will cover a blood lead test?

If a child does not have health insurance, or insurance does not cover blood lead tests, contact the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6604. They can help the child get a blood lead test and provide referral information for health insurance.

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when a child or adult swallows or breathes in pieces of lead or lead dust. Often the lead dust or pieces are too small to see. When lead gets into the body, levels of lead in the person's blood rise and can be measured with a blood test. Lead also gets into other body organs, including bones and the brain. Lead poisoning can cause problems with a child's growth, behavior, and ability to learn.

Dust and paint chips from chipped and peeling lead paint are still the number one source of childhood lead poisoning. However, there is a risk of lead poisoning from other sources such as jewelry, toys, imported food, pottery, cosmetics and traditional medicines that contain lead.

How do you know if a child has lead poisoning?

At lower blood lead levels, a child with lead poisoning usually does not look or feel sick. The only sure way to know is to get a blood lead test. Very high blood lead levels can cause symptoms such as severe fatigue, decreased muscle coordination, seizures, and coma. But the vast majority of children with lead poisoning will not have any obvious signs or symptoms.

Should I test my child's other toys for lead?

The State Department of Health and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency do not recommend home test kits to detect lead in toys, paint, dust, or soil. Studies show that these kits are not reliable enough to tell the difference between high and low levels of lead. At this time, the kits are not recommended for testing performed by either homeowners or certified lead-based paint professionals.

Where can I find out more information?

The State Department of Health Web site has information about lead poisoning and a link to recent recalls. You can access this site at: http://www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/lead/.

Locally, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County has lead information at http://ccetompkins.org/consumer/lead or you can call the Consumer HelpLine regarding lead poisoning prevention at (607) 272-2292 or email: tompkins@cornell.edu.

For information on lead poisoning prevention: www.tompkins-co.org/health/lead/