Various toy recalls have been in the headlines recently giving parents unneeded angst. From Polly Pocket and Thomas the train to anything from China. Mattel seems especially prone to the problem. The most recent involves lead poisoning.
STARTING POINTWhich toys are being recalled

• the mattel recall list

• the US Consumer Product Safety Commission toy recall list

• the Fisher Price toy recall list including Elmo and Dora with instructions from Mattel is here

PROCEDURE

• Check the list for model numbers

• Follow return procedures on the website

LEAD POISONING INFORMATION

• Most lead poisoning comes from prolonged exposure from paint. There are many resources but here are some good starting points

• The wiki definition

• The National Safety Council information page

• Medline Plus offers a good information source

A nice lead free American made alternative to Thomas is Whittle Shoreline Trains

Lastly, pass the information along to other parents to alert them to the recalls and the symptomstoy recall