Another massive recall of toys made in China

This is really disturbing. Yet another recall of millions and millions of toys made in China:

Mattel Inc., the largest U.S. toy company, recalled millions more Chinese-made toys on Tuesday due to hazards from small, powerful magnets and lead paint, sending its shares down as much as 6 percent.

The toymaker's second recall this month came as Mattel launched a national advertising campaign to assure consumers it is on top of product safety.

The new recall includes 7.3 million Polly Pocket dolls and accessories with magnets.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said there had been reports of three children swallowing more than one magnet and suffering intestinal perforations that required surgery. When more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.

Also recalled on Tuesday due to magnet dangers were 1 million Doggie Day Care, 683,000 Barbie and Tanner play sets, and 345,000 Batman and One Piece play sets. No injuries were reported from those items.

About 253,000 Pixar Sarge die-cast toy cars with lead paint were also recalled. No injuries were reported in connection with the toys.

Lead has been linked to health problems in children, including brain damage.

How the hell has the Bush administration let this go on for so long? I know, stupid question.

Normally, I wouldn't understand the direct impact of a toy recall. But, I'm in Maine hanging out with Molly (age 7) and Little Joe (age 4). Today, Molly was sorting through her toys to see if any are on the list. They play with "Polly Pocket" and "Doggie Day Care." Even with my limited knowledge of kid's toys, I know about "Thomas the Tank Engine," which was on an earlier recall list. Turns out almost all of the kids' toys are made in China. Watching how a toy recall impacts kids is very disturbing. Very.