About 180 four-inch cats and dogs exceed permitted level of lead
By: Kara Fitzpatrick
Approximately 180 toys that were distributed as prizes for a Princeton Public Library children’s summer reading club are being recalled due to a recent discovery that they possess lead levels that exceed federal regulations.
The toys four-inch bendable cats and dogs sold to the library by Wisconsin-based Highsmith were distributed locally through Aug. 8 to Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales club members who read for 35 hours.
The voluntary recall was issued Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission after test results revealed that the lead content in the paint was .227 percent. Federal regulations allow no more than .06 percent.
The Princeton Public Library has asked that children who received the toys as incentives dispose of them and pick up a replacement item during their next visit. There is no need to bring in the old prize in order to receive the replacement, a statement from the library said.
"We began issuing IOUs as soon as we heard there was a problem with this item," Princeton Public Library Assistant Director Elba Barzelatto said in a prepared statement. "We share the concerns of the parents of children who received these toys and advise them to simply throw them away."
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 340,000 of the bendable animals, manufactured in China, were recalled because of the lead found in the paint. Lead is toxic and, if ingested by young children, can have adverse health effects, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.
Commission spokesman Mark Ross said the toy is something young children might place in their mouths. "If they chew on it, the paint can come off," he said.
According to a written statement from the library, Highsmith said the toys passed a 2005 test for lead. But recent testing in Indiana and Wisconsin revealed the unacceptable levels.
Princeton Public Library was one of thousands of libraries in 36 states that offered the items as prizes through the Collaborative Summer Library Program. The library purchased 250 of the toys for distribution to reading club members ages 5 to 11.
A prepared statement from Highsmith said the company had discontinued the sale of the item and recommends that all libraries cease distribution. Calls for comment from Highsmith were not immediately returned.
No incidents or injuries as a result of the tainted toys have been reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
According to the American Library Association, the recall was triggered when a hospital worker in Indiana noticed that the toys distributed in a library outreach program were similar to the toys the hospital had given to children, only to learn later about the lead problems.
Ms. Barzelatto said parents seeking additional information about lead paint hazards should call the library at (609) 924-9529, ext. 220 or visit www.princetonlibrary.org/reference/ask.html.