Last week, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) imposed the second largest fine ever imposed against a toymaker. The $1.25 million fine was against RC2, a company located right here in Oak Brook, Illinois.
The CPSC claims that RC2 knowingly imported and distributed Thomas the Tank Engine toys that had excessive lead levels. RC2 denied that it knowingly violated the federal lead standards.
While the Thomas toys in question were recalled in 2007, the fine imposed and related statements released by the CPSC are important for parents, consumers and investors. Excessive lead exposure has few physical symptoms but can result in significant physical consequences for children. Lead interferes with brain development and can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, seizures, and even death.
Parents of children who were unknowingly exposed to toys, or other products, with high lead levels should have their children’s lead levels checked by their pediatricians. If a high level of lead is found and the child suffers from a lead poisoning related side effect then you should immediately contact an Illinois defective children’s products lawyer for information about your child’s legal rights and potential recoveries.