At the request of the New York State Department of Health, staff from the Nassau County Department of Health will be calling and visiting a representative sampling of stores in Nassau County to ensure that specified toy products containing lead or posing a choking or swallowing risk to children are removed from shelves.

The Health Department recommends that parents carefully review all the toys in their homes for lead and choking hazards. Parents should discuss the need for a blood lead test with their children's health care provider. A blood test should be done for all children less than age 6 years old who have played with one of these toys, especially if the child frequently chews or puts toys in his or her mouth, or has frequent hand-to-mouth activity that is typical of young children. In addition, all children should receive blood lead tests at age1 and again at age 2.

Lead poisoning occurs when a person swallows or breathes in pieces of lead or lead dust. Lead poisoning can cause problems with a child's growth, behavior and ability to learn. Only a tiny amount of lead can harm a young, growing child.

If parents find any of the recalled toys, they should put the toy in a place where children cannot find them, until the toys can be returned or destroyed as directed. Because each recall is different, the State Department of Health recommends that parents check the recall notice to learn how to return the toy for a refund or replacement. Recall notices are available through the website below.

*For a complete list of lead-related toy recalls, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website at www.cpsc.gov. Individuals can also call the New York State Consumer Protection Board hotline at 1-800-697-1220.