Mattel and Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall Another 700,000 Toys Because of Lead Paint Worries
Mattel Inc. and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have announced that they are recalling about 700,000 more toys that were made in China over worries that they contain too much lead paint. This is Mattel’s third massive toy recall since August, and more than 21 million toys have so far been affected.
In this latest recall, some 675,000 Barbie accessory toys—made between September 30, 2006 and August 20, 2007—and about 8,900 Big Band World 6-in-1 Bongo Band toys (part of Mattel’s Fisher-Price brand) are included. These toys were sold between July 2007 and August 2007.
So far, there are no reported personal injuries or wrongful deaths resulting from use of these toys. An injured child or adult, however, could have grounds to file a products liability lawsuit if their exposure to lead paint from any of the toys did cause him or her to become ill.
Barbie products include in the September 4, 2007 Mattel Recall:
Barbie® Dream Puppy House™ (lead paint on dog)
Barbie® Dream Kitty Condo™ Playset (lead paint on cat)
Barbie® Table and Chairs Kitchen Playset (lead paint on dog, chip platter, dinner plates)
Barbie® Bathtub and Toilet Playset (lead point on cat)
Barbie® Futon and Table Living Room Playset (lead paint on cat)
Barbie® Desk and Chair Bedroom Playset (lead paint on dog)
Barbie® Couch & Table Living Room Playset (lead paint on purse)
The CPSC Web site provides descriptions of the Big Band World toys that are part of the recall:
The recalled toys have two bongos, including one with a yellow and green plastic drum base with a blue drum surface. The other bongo is yellow and green plastic drum base with an orange drum surface with “It’s a Big, Big World” printed on it. The toys were sold with animal shaped accessories including a monkey, bird, tambourine and drum stick.
Lead paint is especially dangerous for young children and can lead to nervous system damage, brain damage, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, headaches, and hearing problems.
In North Carolina, a product’s manufacturer, retailer, or wholesaler are among the parties that can be held responsible if a person is injured or dies because of a defective or dangerous product.
There are three main causes for bringing a products liability claim or lawsuit.
• Strict liability
• Breach of Warranty
• Negligence
Thousands of Mattel toys recalled because of lead paint, CNN.com, September 4, 2007
Mattel Recalls Various Barbie® Accessory Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard, CPSC.gov, September 4, 2007
Fisher-Price Recalls Bongo Band Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard, CPSC.gov, September 4, 2007
Health Effects of Lead, EPA.gov
Related Web Resources:
Lead Poisoning, NSC.org
Voluntary Safety Recall Facts, Mattel.com
If you have been seriously injured because of a defective or dangerous product in North Carolina or South Carolina, you should contact the Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo LLP immediately. We offer a free consultation to all prospective injury clients. One of our products liability attorneys will be happy to evaluate your case for you.
