On a federal health agency's Web site, candy-colored photos show a variety of toys that could be any child's delight. Instead, the images show poison. The toys are many: Barbie Doll's dog, bongo drums, trains, watercolor kits, duck-shaped watering cans, jewelry sets, spiral-bound books, dinosaurs and garden gloves. All were recalled after tests found they were contaminated with lead, a toxin that when ingested can cause a raft of irrevocable problems to brains, kidneys, hearts and nervous systems. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning.
But it's not just lead-tainted toys that have raised concern in recent weeks, as reflected by several recalls of products from China. Common items that might contain hazardous levels of lead include old wall paint, clothing, glassware, candy from Mexico, pottery, gasoline, herb concoctions, certain home remedies, soil and even dust.
Last week, the California Department of Public Health added an item to the lead-recall list: vinyl-lined lunchboxes with designs promoting fruits and vegetables.
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