On two separate occasions, Mattel Inc., the world's largest toymaker, has recalled more than 18 million toys worldwide, including nine million toys in the U.S.
 On August 14, 2007 more than 18 kinds of magnetic toys and another 436,000 made with lead paint ñ including 32,800 Sarge die-cast cars that contain lead paint -- were recalled less than two weeks after Mattel recalled nearly one million Chinese-made toys sold in the U.S.
The first recall on August 1 involved 1.5 million China-made Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, Big Bird, Elmo, Diego and other childrenís products as they might contain excessive levels of lead. Eighty-one other types of Fisher-Price branded toys sold in U.S. stores since May 2007 were included in the massive recall.
Mattel stated that a Chinese subcontractor violated Mattel's standards and used paint from an unapproved third-party supplier at its plant in southern China. Following the recall, Chinese officials temporarily banned the toys' manufacturer, Lee Der Industrial Co., from exporting products. Shortly thereafter, co-owner of the company, Zhang Shuhong, committed suicide at a warehouse.
Mattel's executive vice-president Bryan Stockton has not ruled out the possibility of more recalls. He also said that, while Mattel is now testing every single batch of toys made, in China and elsewhere, the company will continue manufacturing goods in China.
Mattel Recalls Prompt Class Action Lawsuit
A class-action lawsuit requests that Mattel pay for testing of any children who are at risk of lead poisoning from its toys. The lawsuit wishes to make Mattel responsible for establishing a fund that would pay for children to be tested for lead poisoning. Parents who are concerned about their childrenís health would then be able to access this fund and get their children immediate treatment if necessary. (Under current U.S. regulations, children's products found to have more than 0.06 per cent lead accessible to users are subject to a recall.)
Lead is very toxic to children under the age of seven because it can cause permanent damage to developing bodies and brains. Such damage can include brain damage, learning disabilities, and neuropsychological deficits. Children who are exposed to lead may not exhibit signs of poisoning until years after the exposure, making immediate testing vital in detecting cases of lead poisoning.
Mattel Recalls Magnetic Toys
The latest recall includes magnetic toys such as Polly Pocket dolls and Batman action figures, It covers magnetic toys manufactured between 2002 and January 2007, and expanded on a similar recall made in November 2006.
So far, the CPSC reported that three children have been injured by swallowing more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attach to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal.
China produces 80 percent of the worldís toys and trying to avoid Chinese products is easier said than done. Mattel is asking parents to visit its website if they think one of the affected toys is in their home. Consumers are advised to immediately take the product away from their children and contact the toy company to receive a voucher for a replacement item. You may also want to seek legal advice.
Mattel Toy Recalls Legal Help
If your child has been exposed to lead paint contaminated toys, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer to evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated on Aug-18-11 |
ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS
Mattel Toys and Lead Paint Testing: Acceptable Levels?
 Southgate, MI: Tammy Burbo had Lillian, her six-year-old daughter, tested for lead after learning about lead paint in Mattel toys and the subsequent Mattel recall. The results were high enough to concern her pediatrician and high enough to make Tammy worried about Lillian's future overall health [READ MORE]
Mattel Recall: No Reason To Put Children's Health At Risk
Washington, DC: Lawmakers are rushing to pass bills that would ban lead from toys and other products that children under the age of six normally use. The bills follow recent recalls of Mattel toys that were contaminated with lead-based paint. In proposing the bills, the representatives noted that lead is not only unsafe for children it is also unnecessary, a sentiment that many parents agree with [READ MORE]
Mattel Toy Recalls Make Christmas Shopping Difficult
Philadelphia, PA: With Christmas shopping just around the corner, many parents are likely concerned about what toys they can and cannot buy their children. The recent recall of Mattel toys contaminated with lead-based paint has many consumers worried about the safety of toys they buy their children [READ MORE]
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