FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Adam Liegeot, 860-524-7313
January 5, 2008 Adam.Liegeot@ct.gov
Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the state Department of Public Health (DPH) has posted a summary of the toys and products that were recalled in 2007 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 111 items were recalled in 2007 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly half of which were recalled in October and November.
“Lead poisoning is a very serious issue,” said Governor M. Jodi Rell. “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:
Ø http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp
“Harmful levels of lead may also be found in the home,” Governor Rell 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:
Ø Dust and chips from paint in homes built before 1978;
Ø Soil;
Ø Various imported goods, such as toys, Mexican candy, traditional ceramics, children’s jewelry;
Ø Folk remedies;
Ø Drinking water
In August, Governor Rell dispatched inspectors from the Department of Consumer Protection to remove recalled toys from store shelves across the state. In addition, the DPH alerted all pediatricians, family practice physicians and day care centers in the state to be especially vigilant for signs of lead poisoning. Lead can be found in the paint or plastic of recalled toys or products and can cause neurological damage if ingested.
In November, Governor Rell and the DPH conducted an educational campaign featuring a 30-second radio message asking parents to beware of toys and products that may contain lead.
To view the summary of recalled items, please 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 your Local Health Department.
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