RECALL: Thomas and Friends, Curious George and Other Spinning Tops and Tin Pails For Lead Paint Violations

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Schylling Associates of Rowley, Massachusetts, today announced a voluntary recall of about 66,000 spinning tops and about 4,700 tin pails. Surface paints on the wooden handles of the tops and pails contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. There were no reports of incidents or injuries. The recalled tops and pails are primarily metal and have wooden handles. The tops are painted with Thomas and Friends, Curious George, or a circus scene. The pails are painted with Thomas and Friends, Curious George, or in a solid red or yellow color. Tops with plastic handles are not included in this recall. The tops were sold at specialty toy stores and gift shops nationwide from July 2001 through July 2002. The tops were sold for about $13. The pails were sold for about $6. Both were manufactured in China.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Schylling to receive a refund or free replacement toy.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Schylling at 800-767-8697 between 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, or visit http://www.schylling.com/statement.htm