In two different incidences, Mattel Inc. recalled more than 18 million toys across the globe, nine million of these recalls happening in the United States. In August 2007, close to 18 models of magnetic toys and an additional 436,000 were made using lead paint. They were recalled barely two weeks after Mattel had recalled close to one million China-made toys in the United States.
The First Recall
The first recall took place on August 1 and involved nearly 1.5 million China-made Sesame Street, Diego, Elmo and Big Bird as well as Dora the Explorer. The toymaker said that these toys may contain excessive levels of lead. The Second Mattel Toys Toxic Lead Paint Recall Class Action Lawsuit.
After the first recall, the Toymaker recalled 81 other types of Fisher-Price branded toys that had been sold in the United States departmental stores. This happened less than a week after the initial recall was announced.
According to Mattel, the Chinese subcontractor had gone against Mattel’s standards and used paint from an unverified third-party supplier in the company’s plant nestled in Southern China. After the recall, all the Chinese officials were prohibited to export the toys. A few days later, one of Mattel’s chief partners, Zhang Shuhong was found dead in a warehouse. It is believed that he committed suicide.
Mattel Toys Toxic Lead Paint Recall Prompt Class Action Lawsuit
A class action suit was initiated requesting Mattel to cater for the testing costs of any child who is exposed to the risk getting poisoned from the lead in the toys. The lawsuit primarily wants Mattel to take responsibility by establishing a kitty that would pay for the children’s testing costs. Parents who have concerns over their children’s health can then be given accessibility to this fund and their children to get instant treatment if need be.
What You Need to Know about Lead
Lead is overly toxic, particularly to children who are below the age of seven years. As a matter of fact, it can cause irreversible damage to kids whose brain and bones are still developing. The damage, more so brain damage may compromise the child’s ability to learn in addition to causing neuropsychological deficits. Young kids who are exposed to high levels of lead may not necessarily display the signs of poisoning. However, at a later age the symptoms start showing up and the damage may be too grave to treat by then. Thus, if your kid had used any of the above mentioned Mattel toys, it is imperative to have him or her tested of lead poisoning.
