CANTON, Ohio - Toys like a bendable cat and dog, which were distributed to children through libraries are being recalled owing to high lead content in them.
The distributor of the toys, Highsmith Inc. conducted tests on these toys and found that they had 0.277 percent lead, at least five times more than the 0.06 permitted through federal rules. Matt Moulder, director of the distribution company, said that they were working with Fun Express in recalling the toys, "Since we sold only a part of these toys that are all over the country, we are suggesting a coordinated effort with all the distributors nationwide to get them recalled," he added. Tests conducted in October 2005 had deemed the toys as safe, he said.
Richard Leiker, manager of environmental toxicology at Oregon DHS said that returning the toys was the best option for kids. He added that the toys could also be disposed off in household trash. "After you're done handling it, wash your hands," he cautioned.
Robert Busko, director of the Scotland County library said that they had distributed 51 toys as a part of the program. “The whole idea is to get children excited about going to the library and getting them excited about reading,” he said, adding that kids may return the toys to the library and officials would then take care of it.
Last week the Indiana State Department of Health started off the alert when it issued a statement saying the toys had excess lead.
