Lead Exposure Risk Prompts Recall of Children’s Books

About 204,000 “Big Rex and Friends” cloth children’s books contain excess levels of lead and have been recalled to prevent serious injuries to young readers.

The books published by St. Martin’s Press LLC of New York, N.Y. have a red plastic dot sewn into them which contains high levels of lead, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a recall notice issued today.

Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and has been linked to severe health complications in people who are exposed to the material. State and federal laws strictly limit lead levels in children’s products.

While no injuries have been associated with the recalled children’s books, the risk of injury from lead exposure is so severe that the recall has been initiated.

The recalled “Big Rex and Friends” cloth books have a black and white striped border and a picture of a red dinosaur on the cover. The words “Big Rex and Friends” are printed on the cover. ISBN 031249260X or 9780312492601 is printed on the back of the book, the CPSC said.

The recalled books were sold at Barnes & Noble, Toys “R” Us, Amazon, Borders, and other bookstores and retailers nationwide from May 2004 through October 2009 for about $9. They were printed in China, the CPSC said.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled book away from children and contact St. Martin’s Press for instructions on returning the book for a full refund.

No related posts.