RC2 Corp, the company that imports "Thomas & Friends" toys has announced a recall of nearly 1.5 million wooden Thomas the Tank Engine vehicles, building, and train-set parts because some may contain lead paint. The June 13th recall was voluntary by the company, in cooperation with the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).
Lead poisoning can cause hearing loss, stunted growth, reduced IQ and slower developement in children under six. Small children who place objects in their mouths are at greatest risk. No illnesses have been reported at this time.
Lead is an attractive additive to paint as a pigment, to speed drying time and resist moisture. It was banned from US residential use in 1978 by the CPSC.
The recalled toys were sold in the United States from January 2005 through June 2007. The toys were made in China and this recall follows other problem imports of poisoned products from that country.
What to do if you have Thomas toys purchased in the time of the recall
You can go to http://recalls.rc2.com/ for a complete list of product names included in the recall along with images of the problem products. This site gives the details of how to return any affected toys in your collection. To receive instructions by phone, call (866) 725-4407 Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time and Friday between 8 and 11 am CT.
If you suspect that your child may have ingested any of the paint from these items, contact your child's pediatrician.
