DeLauro Statement on Toy Recall

Press Release

DeLauro Statement on Toy Recall

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) issued the following statement about the recall of 1.5 million Thomas & Friends toy trains.

"Today's recall of Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway trains the Train toys because they have lead-based paint is alarming.

"For children, lead is highly toxic and lead poisoning has been connected with developmental problems and lower IQ levels. Nearly half a million children in the U.S. , according to the Center for Disease Control have lead levels in their blood high enough to cause permanent damage to their health. Increasingly, lead contamination is being found in children's toys and jewelry, rather than the traditional source of lead-based paint in older homes.

"I would expect the Consumer Product Safety Commission to use their authority and take immediate action to reduce the risk to our children. This toy recall includes toys that date back almost two-and-a-half years and raises the question of why it has taken the Consumer Product Safety Commission so long to act.

"I am also concerned with the Commission's, apparent lack of attention to the increasing risks with products from China . These toy trains are the latest example of a growing trend in unsafe imports from China , including pet food, toothpaste and monkfish.

"As consumers, we want to know that the products we purchase are safe, particularly when it comes to toys for our children. Our children should be able to play with lead-free toys. Toy manufacturers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission need to step up their vigilance in this area."

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