We have all probably heard of the famous Mattel toy company. Polly Pockets, Dora the Explorer, Barbie, and Doggie Day Care are some of the many things that recently had a major recall in Canada the US and many other places around the world, but why now?

Early in the week of August 17th, 2007 the company issued a recall of 1.5 million toys of Polly Pockets and the "Sarge" toy from "Cars", and many others. They found out that lead had been found in the magnets of the toys and in the paint used to color it. Officials have found that when the toy is brought home, a child has a high risk of inhaling or swallowing the lead. If so, it is a serious threat to infants and children and is harmful to heath of the child. According to government officials, at least 19 children have had surgery, and one child has died because of this.

"If toy manufacturers are going to continue to develop their products overseas, in places where questionable materials may be incorporated into the manufacturing process, than they need to test their products before they end up on store shelves. To do otherwise is unacceptable and irresponsible." -Levy Phillips& Konigsberg, LLP

Children may also be exposed if they chew or suck on a toy that has been coated in lead paint. Because no quantity of lead is safe in the body, a brief exposure to lead can cause significant adverse effects. Besides learning difficulties, high levels of lead in the bloodstream can also cause behavioral problems such as aggressiveness, destructiveness, and hyperactivity.

You can find many of the recall item on sites.

Here are a few pictures of the recalled items.

I hope you liked this article and don't eat anything that I have mentioned that you bought after May 1st, 2007. Or you might now have lead poisoning, if you think you do or know someone that thinks they do tell them to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading and toodles!
lizzie313