Parents whose children have been exposed to recently recalled toys containing lead or small, easily swallowed magnets are being advised to call their doctor if they notice potential health problems.

Seven Mattel toy lines are involved in the recalls, including some Polly Pocket dolls and Batman characters, as well as a toy car based on the Sarge character in the animated film Cars. The cars contain lead paint, which was banned in the United States in 1978.

Several Colorado doctors and public health experts said Tuesday that the risk of harm from the toys is small but that parents should watch their children closely and have them tested if any worries arise.

"The first thing we would recommend is removing the toy from the child's use," said Dr. Jennie Buchanan, a toxicology fellow at the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center. "And if they have any concerns about the child, they should call their pediatrician."

Exposure to lead paint for short periods of time is rarely harmful, the experts say.

Most problems crop up in children living in homes with lead- based paint built prior to the 1978 ban.

A simple blood test can determine if a child has been exposed to lead and if unsafe levels are in his or her bloodstream, said Dr. Georgette Siparsky, head of the chemistry lab at Children's Hospital in Denver.

"We test young children for lead because it crosses the blood- brain barrier and can affect their development," Siparsky said. "Usually, long-term exposure causes the problems. But for peace of mind, it's a simple test. And we can usually have results back in a day."

The experts recommended that if a child has one of the toys with dangerous magnets, parents should check to see if any are missing. If they are, the child should be watched for signs of distress.

If parents believe a magnet has been swallowed, they should contact their doctor. X-rays can show if magnets are present in the child's digestive track.

"The danger is if the magnets bind together in the intestine," said Dr. Alvin Bronstein, medical director of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center. "Normally when things like this are swallowed, they usually pass from the child's sytem. In cases when they don't, however, the fear is they could hook together and cause strangulation of the bowels."

Experts said toy recalls can be tough for parents to keep track of.

Leslie Feuerborn, injury prevention and education coordinator at Children's Hospital, advises parents to check toy stores for recall notices and to send in warranty cards and product registration forms for new toys. Such forms set up a link between manufacturers and customers should a recall alert be issued.

Feuerborn said the number of recalls seems to be rising, a trend that may signal a need for more vigilance.

"Parents should not be panicked, but they really need to be aware," Feuerborn said.

Check online for affected toys

154 individual toys are affected by the recall. To determine whether your child has any of the recalled toys, go to www.mattel. com for a complete list. The site will take you through a detailed list of the toys being recalled, including pictures and model numbers.

Tips to keep your children safe

• To determine if your child has been exposed to lead, a simple test can be done at a doctor's office. The test involves a finger prick to collect a small blood sample. Results are usually available within 24 hours. Experts recommend testing if a recalled toy is in the home and a child 6 or younger has had the toy in his or her mouth repeatedly. It is rare, however, for short-term exposure to cause problems.

• If you suspect your child has swallowed a magnet or if a magnet is missing from a toy identified in the recall, watch for signs of distress such as nausea, vomiting or pain, and call your doctor. X-rays can detect ingested magnets.

• In addition to their doctor, parents can call the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center at 1-800-222-1222 for more info.

• Parents also can test toys for lead by purchasing kits available at many hardware stores. Kits are available for less than $7.

• To return your toy to Mattel and receive a voucher for a new toy, go to mattel.com and click on toy recall, or call 1-888-597-6597.

smithj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5474

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