Med Group tackles tainted toys

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric J. Bolt
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  The threat of children being exposed to lead paint continues to affect Ellsworth with recalls from August and the latest this month. To help the Ellsworth community assess and combat any adverse affect exposure to the recently recalls toys may have caused the 28th Medical Group is conducting lead screening tests for children. 

"Parents concerned that their child may have been exposed to an effected toy may bring their child to the 28th Medical Group laboratory to have a blood sample collected to screen for lead," said Maj. Karee Jensen, 28th Medical Group health care integrator. "No appointment or phone call is necessary." 

Staff Sgt. John Alford, 28th Maintenance Squadron isochronal production controller, is the proud father of Jacob who is 3 years old. When the recall came out Sergeant Alford had to get rid of some of Jacob's toys that were possibly on the recall. 

"It is not worth my trouble to send a $3 toy back to the manufacturer, I just threw it away," said Staff Sgt. Alford. "We did not want to take a chance with the toy. It might be on the recall, it might not. We just wanted to get rid off it." 

Two of the major manufactures released recalls three times since the beginning of August due to the use of by lead based paint. The three recalls together add up to over 20 million toys worldwide. Refer to http://www.mattel.com/safety/us/ for information on which toys are affected by the recalls. 

"Children between the ages of 1 and 5 are most vulnerable to lead poisoning due to type of toy recalled and young children often put their hands and objects into their mouths," said Maj. Jensen. "The most important thing is to check the Web for the affected toys and if you feel your child has been affected come in for a blood test." 

There may be no noticeable symptoms of lead poisoning because the effects are subtle or may mimic other conditions. When lead poisoning levels are severe, some general symptoms can include digestive problems, fatigue, and higher rates of tooth decay. 

For additional information contact the Medical Group laboratory at 385-3459.