Tracking the hazards

Yesterday: Mattel Inc. says it is recalling 18.6 million toys worldwide -- including about 9.75 million in the United States -- because of lead paint and because magnets could detach, causing intestinal perforation or blockage.

Aug. 8: Schylling Associates Inc. recalls 51,000 Thomas & Friends, Curious George, and Circus tops due to lead paint.

Aug. 2: Mattel recalls 967,000 Fisher-Price toys in the United States because of lead paint.

July 18: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service recalls about 13,000 Soldier Bear brand toy sets in the United States because of lead paint.

July 5: Kipp Brothers Toys and Novelties recalls about 800 of its Mag Stix Magnetic Building Sets because magnets could detach and cause intestinal perforation or blockage.

June 13: RC2 Corp. recalls about 1.5 million Thomas & Friends wooden railway toys in the United States because of lead paint.

May 30: Boyds Collection Ltd. recalls about 4,500 of the Eli's Small Drums and the Liberty's Large Drums in the United States because of lead paint.