Clarifying Mattel recall

There are two separate recalls. One is for 436,000 die-cast cars worldwide that contain levels of lead paint considered impermissible. The toys feature the Sarge character from the movie “Cars.” The other is an expansion of a November 2006 recall of toys that contain magnets that can be swallowed by children. That recall, which now covers 18.2 million magnetic toys globally, include Polly Pocket dolls and Batman action figures. Magnets have been used in toys forever, but apparently they are now easier and cheaper to produce - and they have stronger magnetic fields. When more than one is swallowed, they can attract each other and cause all kinds of problems. (NYT)