Toy Cars Recalled Due to Lead

Lead poisoning is one of the most harmful, yet preventable hazards children face. TDI International has announced that they are recalling their High Speed Pull Back Toy Cars due to excessive levels of lead in the paint used on the cars. The toy car recall only affects the yellow car with the word "prowl" written on the side. The cars were sold between June and July 2008 and retailed for under $2.00.

The United States has federal guidelines in place for monitoring the amounts of lead in American products. However, when products are manufactured in other countries, the amount of lead used in the paint or plastic can enter the country undetected. The TDI Pull Back toy cars were manufactured in China, a country that continues to use lead in their products.

Lead is a dangerous hazard for all individuals; however children are extremely vulnerable to its affects, due to the fact that they are still growing and developing. There are no safe levels of lead in the body, and any amount of lead ingested is unsafe. There are also no ways for parents to determine if their child has been exposed to lead. Only a qualified medical or health care worker can check for levels of lead in the body by administering blood tests. If you suspect that your child might have high levels of lead, or has been recently exposed to lead poisoning, see your health care provider at once.

It's important to realize that your child might have elevated levels of lead in his or her blood without exhibiting any symptoms. However, there are symptoms that might be present, yet are often confused for other conditions. Symptoms of lead poisoning that has occurred suddenly, or shows a potential high amount of level in the body include: feeling anxious or aggressive, low iron or Anemia, headaches, depression, tiredness, abdominal cramps and pain, lowered IQ, vomiting, coma, difficulty walking, seizures, and overall weakness in the muscles and body. Lead poisoning is serious because small exposures can build up over a lifetime and create many health hazards.

Additionally, it is often difficult for the body to rid itself of lead, and once in the body, lead can circulate from the bloodstream to organs and then back again. If high levels of lead are detected in the blood, medication might be required to help the body remove the lead. Other treatments include Chelation Therapy, bowel irrigation, and gastric suction. Prevention is the best method and avoiding lead in paint, soil, and products is crucial to reducing lead exposure.

If you have purchased the High Speed Pull Back toy cars involved in the recall, you are advised to take the car away from your child immediately. You may contact TDI International Monday through Friday at 1-877-834-8088, during the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Central Time, with any questions regarding a refund or if you prefer a replacement toy.