Recalled Toys, Products Containing Lead Now Online

HARTFORD — The Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that it has posted a summary of the toys and products that were recalled in 2008 due to lead hazards. The summary includes descriptions and photos of each of the recalled items and is available online at www.ct.gov/dph.

A total of 71 items were recalled in 2008 by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The majority of items were recalled in the first half of 2008.

“Lead poisoning is a very serious issue,” said DPH Commissioner J. Robert Galvin. “It is especially important that parents be able to find a list of the products that have been recalled. I urge parents to visit this website to see all of last year’s recalled items so that they can make sure that their children are safe.”

Parents are urged to get details regarding recalled toys and products by visiting online websites devoted to providing information on recalled products. Consumers may get information on recalled items by going to:

* www.recalls.gov

* www.cpsc.gov

* service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp

“Harmful levels of lead may also be found in the home,” Dr Galvin said. “There are many ways that parents can reduce their children’s exposure to lead. First and foremost, hazards in a child’s environment should be identified and controlled or removed safely.”

Sources of lead exposure may include:

*Dust and chips from paint in homes built before 1978;

*Soil;

*Various imported goods, such as toys, Mexican candy, traditional ceramics, children’s jewelry;

*Folk remedies;

*Drinking water

To view the summary of recalled items, visit the “Featured Links” portion of the DPH website at www.ct.gov/dph. The public may also contact the DPH Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Program at 860-509-7299 or their local health department.