Thursday, August 16, 2007
Trouble in the toy box
Trouble in the toy box
Mattel's massive recall has set parents on edge about health risks to
their children. Here's how to keep your child safe.
Mattel announced another major recall of toys made in China, feeding
international worries about the safety of products made in China. What
can you do to keep your child safe?
To get the full list of toys that have been recalled, log onto the
recall section of Mattel's web site or the Consumer Product Safety
Commission's web site.
The company recalled 18.2 million Polly Pocket, Doggie Day Care, Batman,
Barbie and One Piece toys that can shed small, powerful magnets that may
harm kids.
"Sarge" die-cast miniature toy vehicles were also recalled because their
paint may be toxic. Go through the toy box carefully. Keep in mind these
toys were produced between May 2003 and November 2006. Those made after
November 1, 2006, are not affected.
To find the model number, look on the bottom of the item. If you can't
find a model number, contact Mattel at (888) 597-6597.
If you do find one of the recalled toys, take it away immediately and
contact Mattel to receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the same
value. Even if you don't have the original receipt, some big box
retailers may be giving refunds.
The company recalled its toys for both lead paint risk and loose
magnets. Experts say that lead can't be absorbed through the skin, so
just touching the toy won't pose much of a health hazard.
But if your child chews on the toy and the paint is eaten away, that
could be a sign your child has ingested lead. Get on the phone to your
pediatrician to have a blood sample taken.
If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other
and cause severe problems. Request an X-ray exam if you suspect that
your child has swallowed a loose magnet.
Read the packaging to find out what age child the toy is meant for. For
small children, avoid toys with small parts which could pose a fatal
choking hazard. Keep up with the CPSC's toy recall list.
And for more guidelines on toy safety, check out the American Academy of
Pediatrics.
