Millions of Toys with Lead Paint and Magnets Recalled

Mattel, Inc., recalled as many as nine million toys in August and September. Mattel is one of the world's largest toy makers. The company said the toys are a danger to children. The toys contain high levels of lead paint or small, removable magnets that can choke a small child.

A "recall" occurs when companies ask buyers to return items they bought that might harm the buyer.

All of the recalled toys were made in China. At first Mattel blamed the Chinese manufacturers. However, Mattel apologized in September to the Chinese people. Mattel said it made mistakes with some of the toys.

A number of Fisher-Price toys and Barbie doll accessories have lead paint. Mattel makes Fisher-Price and Barbie Doll toys. Mattel also recalled Geo Trax locomotive toys, Big World 6-in-1 Bongo Band toys, "Sarge" die cast toy cars and other toys.

Seven sets of Barbie toys are part of the recall. They include the Dream Puppy House, the Dream Kitty Condo and five play sets of Barbie furniture.

Magnets in Mattel's Batman and One Piece magnetic action figures can fall out. The Doggie Day Care and Polly Pocket toys also have this problem. Young children could swallow the magnets.

Dangers are in paint and magnets
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced Mattel's voluntary recall. CPSC explained the dangers of the toys. If a child shallows more than one powerful magnet, the magnets can join together in the body and cause stomach damage, infection, or blockage. They also can choke a child.

Lead in paint is very dangerous to children especially those under the age of six. Young children put toys in their mouths. Lead paint that comes off in the child's mouth can enter the child's system and cause poisoning.

Lead poisoning can stunt a child's growth. It can reduce a child's ability to learn. Lead can damage the kidneys and nervous system. It is very toxic.

The CPSC advised parents to take the toys away from their children and return them to the store.

Retail and toy stores stopped selling the toys in August 2007. However, some of the toys have been in stores for years. The Geo Trax toys began selling in July 2006. Some toys started selling in July 2004. The Polly Pocket toys sold from May 2003 to November 2006.

Mattel apologized for design flaws
Robert Eckert is chair and chief executive officer of Mattel, Inc. The Chicago Tribune reported that Eckert testified to the U.S. Congress in September. Eckert said that Mattel testers did not detect the lead paint used by the Chinese manufacturers. Another person from Mattel said in Beijing that toys with magnets had design flaws. Mattel apologized for the design problems.

More than 65 percent of Mattel products are made in China, the Tribune reported. Some people think Mattel did not want to hurt its business relationship with Chinese companies.

Eckert gave a statement to the Wall Street Journal. It was published on September 11. Eckert said Mattel plans to improve its testing and inspection of toys and paint. Mattel said it only plans to use paint from certified suppliers.

The CPSC reported that Mattel received complaints from consumers about magnets. No injuries or incidents were reported about lead paint on toys.
Most complaints were about Polly Pocket toys. Over 400 complaints said the magnets came loose from those toys. Three children needed surgery, because they swallowed more than one magnet. The magnets made holes in their stomachs.

Steps to return a recalled toy:
Go to Mattel's Web sites at www.service.mattel.com or www.mattel.com for return information.
Call Mattel at 1-800-916-4997, 1-888-597-6597, or 1-888-496-8330. Mattel will send a color brochure of recalled toys and a postage paid box to return the toy. Then Mattel will send a voucher.
Toys "R" Us, Target and Wal-Mart will refund money for recalled toys with a store receipt. Otherwise, the stores will take the toys and give in-store credit.
Mattel's Web site has a list of recalled toys. The address is www.mattel.com/safety/us.

Sources: www.wikipedia.org, www.mattel.com and The Chicago Tribune story by Michael Oneal