Does he see what you see in those toys? Does he know that the toys he plays with may contain unknown levels of hazardous lead-based contaminants? The Office of the West Attorney General wants to you to be aware of what toys your kids are playing with and the potential hazard they may contain. Armed with the following information as well as informed decisions, you can keep your child's play-time healthy and safe.

Children may be exposed to lead—a well known health hazard. Toys that have been made in other countries and then imported into the U.S. or antique toys and collectibles passed down through generations put children at risk for such exposure. To reduce these risks, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls of toys that could potentially expose children to lead.

Recent Warnings Issued Regarding High Levels of Lead in Toys

Some toys and jewelry have been found to contain levels of lead that can pose a serious threat to children’s health. Caregivers are advised that they should carefully check their child’s toys and jewelry for lead. There is no safe level of lead in one’s blood.

Some signs to look for are:

• Dull, grey looking metal pieces that feel heavy for their size regardless of color as these may be a thin veneer of paint, colored metal or plastic covering the lead;
• Pieces which leave a grey mark when rubbed on a sheet of paper;
• Bright colors particularly orange and red; and
• Bendable toys or soft plastics which may use lead as a softness stabilizer.

Health Warning Signs & Symptoms

Young children are at greater risk for exposure to lead due to putting objects in their mouths and by putting their hands in their mouths after handling toys and jewelry which contain lead. Lead can interfere with brain development causing a permanent reduction in I.Q. and behavioral problems.

If you believe your child has been putting lead jewelry or toys in his or her mouth or has otherwise been exposed to lead, see your health provider. There is no safe level of lead in one’s blood. There are often no symptoms but some symptoms associated with lead poisoning are:

• Appetite loss
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Sleeplessness
• Irritability and headache.

Of course, these symptoms can be due to causes unrelated to lead exposure. For a more in-depth list of symptoms related to lead poisoning, please visit WebMD's Guide to Lead Poisoning.

Children's Toys & Jewelry Items Recalled Due to Lead Hazards

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RC2 Corp. Recalls Various Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
Toy Drums Recalled by The Boyds Collection Ltd. Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
AAFES Recalls “Soldier Bear” Toy Sets Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
Target Recalls Anima Bamboo Collection Games Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
Magnetix Magnetic Building Set Recall Expanded
Regent Products Corp. Recalls Stuffed Ball Toys Due to Lead Hazard
Toys “R” Us Recalls “Elite Operations” Toy Sets Due to Lead and Laceration Hazards

Helpful Links & Resources

• National Lead Information Center
• Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Federal Trade Commission
• West Virginia Poison Control Center
• West Virginia Department of Health & Human Services

What to Do If you suspect your child is at risk
If you see a child chewing or sucking on a toy which has been recalled or tested positive for lead contact your health provider and consider a blood test for lead.

If you child swallows any toy or other object you should immediately contact the West Virginia Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222. The Center has a very informative website found at www.wvpoisoncenter.org.

Lead test kits for home use are available in some stores and via the internet which allow testing of any item to which your child is exposed to be tested.