Parents may have questions about exposure of their children to lead from recalled Mattel toys.

Children under 6 years of age are the group most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead because they are more likely to absorb more of the lead into their bodies. Lead poisoning can affect nearly every system in the body, and some children may never show signs of an illness. However, lead exposure can delay physical and mental development and cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems, as well as slow muscle and bone growth and damage to the central nervous system and kidneys.

Repeated, long-term exposure to lead can lead to elevated blood lead levels. A blood lead test is the only way to know for sure if children are exposed to lead. Parents can get children screened at local health departments, clinics or by a private physician.

Should a child be tested if he or she has played with one of the toys? “If you child under 6 has played with one of the recalled toys, and has mouthed, licked or sucked the toy, and if the child has not ever been tested for lead, it might be a good idea to get him or her tested,” said Dr. Stephen Keener, Medical Director for the Mecklenburg County Health Department. “If your child has been tested in the past, and if there is not mouthing behavior, testing is probably not warranted.”

If you feel your child has mouthed, licked or sucked one of the recalled toys, and has not previously been tested for lead, call the Health Department lead nurse during business hours at (704) 336-5386, or call your pediatrician to determine whether or not to get your child tested for lead. Children older than age 6 cannot be tested free of charge at the Health.

In the past two weeks, Mattel Inc. has recalled more than 1.2 million toys nationwide that contain lead paint. Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children. To return the recalled toys and receive a refund voucher, consumers need to contact Mattel Inc. A list of the recalled toys can be found on the Consumer Products Safety Commission’s Web site, http://www.cpsc.gov/.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 13.5 million children in the United States with elevated blood lead levels (i.e., 10 micrograms per deciliter or greater) in 1978. By 2002, that number had dropped to 310,000 kids. During the past 12 years in North Carolina, there has been an 88 percent decrease in the prevalence of elevated lead exposure among children tested, from 7 percent in 1995 to 0.8 percent in 2006.

The most common way children become lead poisoned is from exposure to lead-based paint, which is commonly found in homes built before 1978. Without proper precautions, disturbing the lead paint allows dust to settle on toys, windowsills and floors. Children can then easily swallow bits of dust and paint chips. Children also may be exposed to lead through home health remedies like arzacon and greta, imported candies and toy or costume jewelry.

Dr. Stephen R. Keener, Mecklenburg County Public Health Medical Director will be available to answer questions, today, August 17, 2007 at 4:15 at the Health Department located at 249 Billingsley Road.

For more information about lead or lead testing, call the N.C. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Hotline at 1-888-774-0071. Additional information can be found online at the Children’s Environmental Health Branch Web site at http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/Children_Health/index.html.