The Thomas & Friends Recall: The Lowdown on Lead and Kids' Product Recalls

More About Recalls

The Thomas & Friends recall is just the latest lead-related recall of kids' products — most involve children's metal jewelry sold in vending machines and at dollar and discount retailers. Since 2003, the CPSC has issued about 30 recalls involving about 166 million pieces of children's metal jewelry because of high levels of lead (in the metal itself, not the paint).

And lead is only one of the many reasons products might be pulled from stores' shelves. Toys with small magnets, for example, have frequented the recalls list lately. At least 19 kids needed emergency surgery and a 20-month-old died after swallowing magnets, which can attract to each other internally, causing serious injuries like torn, twisted, or blocked bowels.

Numerous products are recalled every week — the CPSC hit an all-time high with 467 recalls in 2006 alone. All of the toys and children's metal jewelry recalled this year, including the Thomas toys, were manufactured in China. So, how do hazardous items make it to the public in the first place?

Toys and children's jewelry must meet federal and industry safety standards (for things like lead paint, choking hazards, and sharp points). However, these products are not approved for safety by a federal agency before they're actually sold. Companies are expected to comply with the standards, whether they manufacture products in or import them to the United States. The only way companies can make sure their products meet the safety standards, says a CPSC representative, is to have them tested, usually by an independent laboratory.

A product is recalled when the CSPC identifies a substantial product hazard or the company reports a defect or concern.

What This Means to You

Lead is highly toxic, especially to young children. Kids can ingest the dangerous, naturally occurring metal when they mouth or swallow something made with lead or lead paint, or when they simply touch it and then put their fingers in their mouths.

To help reduce kids' exposure to lead in your home:

• Have a professional test your water, the dust in your home, the soil outside, and/or the paint around your home if you have a home built before 1978. Home lead-testing kits can give unreliable results, says a CPSC representative.
• Have kids tested for lead if you have any concerns about exposure. All children should be routinely tested at 1 year old and again at age 2.
• Avoid giving kids children's metal jewelry if they mouth on objects. Kids' jewelry may also contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
• Wash children's hands often, especially before they eat.

To stay on top of the latest recalls:

• Sign up for the CPSC's regular email announcements by going to their website and choosing the categories you're interested in (infant/children's products, sports equipment, household products, etc.).
• Search the CPSC's site to see if any of your new or secondhand items have been recalled.
• Send in the registration card whenever you buy a new product.

For more information on the recalled Thomas items, go to the CPSC's website and follow the instructions for returning and replacing the toys. The company, RC2, will reimburse for shipping costs only if you request it.