Posted by dr-gwenn on August 15, 2007 at 03:11:30 PM

This is getting really scary. First Fisher-Price. Now Mattel, the parent company itself. The Mattel scare announced today is even more alarming because the risk to kids more immediate and potentially fatal. Thankfully, no child has been injured by any of these toys but the toys being recalled have elements that have caused fatalities in the past so this is not a false alarm. According to the official press release from Mattel's website, there are two groups of toys being recalled that are actually expansions of past recalls:

"Mattel, Inc. announced today that the company has voluntarily recalled one toy from the "CARS" die-cast vehicle line ("Sarge" character), manufactured between May 2007 and July 2007, containing impermissible levels of lead. The recalled vehicles include 436,000 total toys, including 253,000 in the U.S. and 183,000 outside of the U.S.

...Additionally, Mattel announced the voluntary recall of magnetic toys manufactured between January 2002 and January 31, 2007, including certain dolls, figures, play sets and accessories that may release small, powerful magnets. The recall expands upon Mattel's voluntary recall of eight toys in November 2006 and is based on a thorough internal review of all Mattel's brands. Mattel is recalling 18.2 million magnetic toys globally (9.5 million in the U.S.); however, the majority of the toys are no longer at retail."

The lead we've already discussed. Lead can cause harm and if you're child has ingested paint from these products call your pediatrician to arrange a blood test, but don't panic if your child has just played with the toy. The ingested magnets can cause serious intestinal issues. Parents concerned their child may have swallowed a magnet should alert their pediatrician immediately. A simple xray can detect if indeed the child had swallowed the magnet and next steps can be taken to remove the magnet. If you are on sure if your child swallowed the magnet but have that toy in the house, alert your pediatrician if you see parts missing from the toy and your child complains of any tummy aches. Information on what to do about products being recalled can be found here, on the Mattel Recall site. This site is worth checking out and includes a nice video statement by Mattel's chair, Bob Eckert. They are as shocked as we are.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also has some excellent information on their web site that they posted today: AAP Major Toy Recall Information Page

I'll post more as new information becomes available.

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