Important information on recalled toys from
Assemblyman Bill Magee


Dear Neighbor,

More than 9 million toys have been recalled worldwide from major manufacturers. I was shocked to learn recently that the Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require retailers to remove dangerous toys from the shelf – it’s a voluntary recall. This is not enough to protect the health and safety of our children.

In the absence of any federal laws requiring their removal, New York has taken the lead to ensure these toys come off the shelves in stores. The state Health Department and the state Consumer Protection Board will inspect retailers in New York to make sure they comply.

I also fully support legislation that would create a consumer product safety standard and notification procedure, to ensure consumers are alerted in the event of a product recall (A.8440).

If you have any questions, please contact my office at 315-361-4125.

Sincerely,
signature

Assemblyman
Bill Magee

214 Farrier Avenue
Oneida, NY 13421
(315) 361-4125


Partial List of Recalled Cribs and Toys

Simplicity, RC2, Magnetix recalls:

  • Simplicity, Inc., recalled nearly 1 million cribs sold between January 1998 and May 2007. See www.cpsc.gov.

  • RC2 Corporation recalled more than 1.5 million “Thomas and Friends” wooden railway trains. See www.recalls.rc2.com.

  • Magnetix Magnetic Building Set’s recall includes 4 million units, except sets sold since March 31, 2006, age-labeled 6+ and sets warning against ingesting or inhaling the magnets. See www.cpsc.gov.

Fisher-Price/Mattel recalls:

  • Fisher-Price recalled 967,000 toys, including Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer.

  • Mattel recalled 20 million toys worldwide. Information regarding the Fisher-Price and Mattel recall can be found online at www.mattel.com/safety/us. Consumers without Internet access can call Mattel recall hotline at 1-888-496-8330.

Information on Lead Exposure

Lead exposure in children and unborn children can cause brain and nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches. Most children with lead poisoning usually do not look or feel sick. The only sure way to know whether a child has lead poisoning is to get a blood lead test.

New York State Public Health Law requires health-care providers to screen all children by blood testing for lead exposure at ages 1 and 2. All children at risk for lead exposure – especially those who live in housing built before 1978 – should be tested at least once a year up to age 6. Elevated levels of lead in blood occur when children put paint chips, lead paint dust, lead-painted toys, contaminated imported medicines and foods, or other objects in their mouths.

Important Phone Numbers and Web Sites

State Consumer Protection Board: www.consumer.state.ny.us.

For more information, call the New York State Attorney General Consumer Helpline at 1-800-771-7755.


Parents are also encouraged to register with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Web site (www.recall.gov) for free e-mail alerts about future product recalls.
“During the holiday season, nothing’s more important than keeping our families safe. That means staying informed.”

-Bill Magee

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