The Onondaga County Health Department's Lead Poisoning Control Program is alerting parents of a voluntary recall of "Sarge" die cast toy cars. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that the surface paint on the toys could contain high levels of lead.
Product Description: The recall involves die cast "Sarge" 2 ½ inch toy cars. The toy looks like a military jeep and measures about 2 ½ inches long by 1 inch high by 1 inch wide. The recalled toy has the markings "7EA" and "China" on the bottom. The "Sarge" toy car is sold alone or in a package of two, and may have the product number M1253 (for single cars) and K5925 (for cars sold as a set) printed on the packaging. The cars marked "Thailand" are not included in this recall. A picture of the recalled item is available at www.cpsc.gov.
Sold: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $7 and $20 (depending on whether they were sold individually or in sets).
Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Mattel. Consumers will need to return the product to receive a replacement toy. For additional information, contact Mattel at (800) 916-4997 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com.
Here are some suggestions parents and guardians should consider when evaluating children's toys:
It is not possible to tell whether a toy contains lead by looking at it. Only specific laboratory tests can be used to determine the lead content of a product.
If possible, purchase toys made in the United States. Most of the toy recalls were manufactured in China.
Do not assume that toys containing lead may only be found at discount stores.
Contact the retailer, manufacturer or importer to be sure that it does not contain lead.
Monitor your child's play with toys, paying particular attention to toys a child may put into his/her mouth frequently.
Young children are especially at risk for lead poisoning because they often put non-food items in their mouth. Children with lead poisoning do not look sick. A blood lead test must be done to determine if a child has lead poisoning. If left untreated, lead poisoning can cause behavioral and learning problems. To have your child tested or for more information about lead poisoning prevention call your doctor or the Onondaga County Health Department Lead Poisoning Control Program at (315) 435-3271.
