More than 90,000 products pulled in U.S. for unsafe lead levels

Extensive U.S. recalls were issued Thursday for more than 90,000 products including Winnie the Pooh play sets, art kits, racing helmets and dinosaur toys for unsafe lead levels.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission spokeswoman Julie Vallese urged consumers to return the affected products, which were made in China, Taiwan and Vietnam, for a refund.

"What we don't want parents to do is say 'Oh not another one,' and do nothing about it," Vallese said.

"Consumers do deserve to get something back for their recalled product."

The recall applies to the following products:

• 2,400 Breyer stirrup ornaments sold through J.C. Penney's catalogue and website from August 2006 through August 2007.
• 19,000 Deluxe wood art sets sold through J.C. Penney's catalogue and website from September 2005 through August 2007.
• 49,000 Deluxe Winnie the Pooh 23-piece play sets, sold through J.C. Penney's U.S. outlet stores, catalogue and website from August 2005 through August 2007.
• 7,800 Princess magnetic travel art set lap desks with the item number 266822 sold through Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores from April 2007 through August 2007.
• 10,000 Bendable Dinosaurs sold through the Kipp Brother's showroom, catalogue and website and distributed as promotional giveaway items from October 2006 through August 2007.
• 2,500 Jeff Gordon mini helmets with the UPC number 095855720029 sold through U.S. stores and through the NASCAR website from February 2007 through October 2007.
• 2,400 Kidnastics foam balance beams sold through catalogue sales and online retailers from January 2007 through September 2007.

High amounts of lead can harm the nervous system, kidneys and other major organs. Anemia, a decline in red blood cells, can occur, as well as damage to the nervous system that may impair mental function. At worst, lead poisoning can cause seizures or death.

The latest announcement follows a series of recalls and product safety investigations relating to Chinese imports, including products ranging from pet food to toothpaste and children's toys.

In early October over 500,000 products including bookmarks, flashlights, and blocks were pulled from the marketplace for exceeding safe lead limits. Over the summer more than 18 million Mattel toys were recalled because of dangers associated with small magnets or lead paint.