Almost 2,000 Ertl-brand wagons, trikes and wheelbarrows, which were sold in Canada between September 2010 and early January 2012, have been voluntarily recalled by Tomy Canada (the products’ distributor), in conjunction with Health Canada (HC).
According to HC’s advisory, the surface coating on eight models of Ertl wheeled goods contains barium levels in excess of allowable limits as outlined in Canada’s toy regulations. (Children’s outdoor wheeled goods are classed as toys in Canada.) The affected products — featuring John Deere or Case licensed logos and colours — include eight items, ranging from a Case stake-style wagon to a John Deere steel tricycle. Consumers who’ve purchased the made-in-China items bearing the following SKU numbers: 14816, 15966, 34437A, 34506A, 34636A, 35914, 35915, 35991, should remove them from children’s use immediately.
While some forms of barium are being safely used in the medical industry, exposure to other more toxic forms — like those still found in coatings and paints covering metal parts — has been linked to adverse health effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps, as well as more severe symptoms. Neither Tomy nor Health Canada is reporting any injuries related to use of the affected toys.
Consumers are urged to contact Tomy Canada for further information. As well, a description and full list of recalled items may be found on the Health Canada website.
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