Attorney General's News Release

February 20, 2008

Nixon invites consumers to bring toys, other children’s items for lead screening in Columbia Saturday

Jefferson City, Mo. — Mid-Missourians will have an opportunity to have their children’s toys and other belongings screened for lead at an event at the Columbia Public Library this Saturday. With many households full of new toys from the holidays, and with all the concern about the recalls of 2007, parents may be wondering about the safety of children’s products in their homes.

Attorney General Jay Nixon invites parents to bring toys and other items such as children’s plates, cups, eating utensils, bibs and pacifiers to the Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway, Columbia, Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The items will be screened using a scanner made specifically for detecting lead content in toys and other children’s items. The scanners will be operated by lab technicians from ATC Associates in St. Louis. The event is sponsored by Nixon’s office, ATC, the Columbia Public Library and Thermo-Fisher Scientific.

Millions of toys made in China were recalled in 2007 because of lead, and Nixon says there may be millions more that have not yet been tested by toy companies or government agencies.

“The time to find out if your kids’ things are safe is now, rather than to wait for a recall,” Nixon said. “We’ve known for decades that lead exposure poses serious health hazards, and last year’s recalls have many Missourians questioning the safety of the children’s products they buy.”

Nixon offers an online recall clearinghouse at his Web site, ago.mo.gov, which provides links to government agencies involved in recalls of toys, food, medicine and other consumer products. Consumers with questions can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.

Product recall clearinghouse

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818