CPSC, Advantage Publishers Group Announce Recall to Replace Educational Kits

Recalled July 10, 2001 · CPSC recall 01193 · Advantage Publishers

Recalled "Optical Illusions Lab" educational kit

Pen from recalled "Let's Start™ Numbers" educational kit

Stencil sheet from recalled "Let's Start™ Numbers" educational kit

Cover of recalled "Let's Start™ Numbers" educational kit

Hazard

The red painted numbers on the acetate stencil sheet included in the "Let's Start™" kit contain lead; and the gold paint bearing the words "Kasy's Extrafine" on the black pen included in the "Optical Illusions" kit has lead.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately remove the stencil sheets and pens from the activity kits and discard them. Customers should call Advantage Publishers Group to order a replacement piece.

Units

About 160,000

Incidents / injuries

CPSC and Advantage Publishers Group have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. Lead poisoning is a serious hazard to children, and is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

Description

The "Let's Start™" kit has a blue and red cover with a dog on the front, and contains an interactive book that uses exercises and activities to introduce children to numbers. The clear acetate stencil sheet is part of a packet of activity pieces, including a cleaning sponge, counting coins, a magic pen, and a counting frame. On the back of the kit, it reads in part, "This product is suitable for use only by children over 4 years of age." The "Optical Illusions" kit has a multi- colored cover with various geometric shapes, and reads in part, "Only for use by children over 8 years of age and under adult supervision." The black pen is included with an activity book and various shapes and images used to perform optical experiments.

What to do

Consumers should immediately remove the stencil sheets and pens from the activity kits and discard them. Customers should call Advantage Publishers Group to order a replacement piece.

Contact

Customers should call Lilian Shia (858-450-3556) or Lynn Brennan (858-457-2500 X-2575) at Advantage Publishers Group. Consumers also can obtain information by going to the company's website at www.advantagebooksonline.com

Product

Let's Start™ Numbers and "Optical Illusions Lab" educational kits

Manufacturer(s)

Advantage Publishers Group, of San Diego, Calif.

Retailers

Retail stores, national book chains, wholesalers and distributors, and membership warehouse clubs nationwide sold the educational kits, from February 1999 through May 2001, for between $13 and $20.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →