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State
public health director warns parents to beware of lead paint in toys
Numerous
toys manufactured in China are recalled
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[September 06, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD
-- Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Illinois Department of Public Health
director, is warning parents to watch out for possible lead paint on
their children's toys after numerous manufacturers, in cooperation
with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, recently issued
voluntary recalls for children's toys and jewelry, all manufactured
in China, due to lead paint. In many cases, surface paints on these
recalled items contain excessive levels of lead, which is prohibited
under federal law. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and
can cause serious health problems.
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 "Children are at the greatest risk of lead poisoning because they
place their hands and other objects, like toys, in their mouths.
Their small bodies absorb more lead than adult bodies do, and harms
them more because their bodies are still growing," Whitaker said.
"Children with elevated lead levels may suffer from learning
disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral problems, lowered IQ,
stunted growth and hearing impairment. Convulsions, coma and death
can occur at higher lead levels."
National surveys estimate that more than 3 million children 6
years of age and younger have lead poisoning. This number represents
almost one out of every six children under the age of 7. In
Illinois, 8,654 children were found to have lead poisoning in 2006.
Lead poisoning has no obvious signs, and most children do not
report any abnormal symptoms. Children with lead poisoning might
report stomachaches, decreased appetite, hyperactivity, sleeping
problems or irritability. Because these symptoms appear to mimic
other childhood problems, lead poisoning is sometimes mistaken for a
cold or the flu. The only way to diagnose lead poisoning is by
having a blood test.
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The following items have recently been recalled due to high
levels of lead, either in the item or in the paint:
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Fisher-Price Inc. Big
Big World 6-in-1 Bongo Band toys
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Fisher-Price Inc. Geo
Trax locomotive toys
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Mattel Inc. Barbie
accessory toys
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Toys "R" Us Inc.
Imaginarium wooden coloring cases
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Jo-Ann Stores Inc.
Robbie Ducky™ kids' watering cans
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Martin Designs Inc.
SpongeBob SquarePants™ address books and journals
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Schylling Associates
Inc. Thomas and Friends, Curious George and other spinning tops
tin pails
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Buy-Rite Designs Inc.
Children's Divine Inspiration charm bracelets
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TOBY N.Y.C. TOBY & ME
jewelry sets
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Hampton Direct
magnetic toy train sets
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Mattel Inc. "Sarge"
die cast toy cars
Fisher-Price Inc. Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer and other
children's toys
For more information on these recalled items, go to
http://www.idph.state.il.us/
webapp/SRSApp/pages/index.jsp.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Public Health news release received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
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