Mattel toy recalls

On Aug. 2, Mattel's Fisher-Price division announced a recall of nearly 1 million Chinese-made toys because their paint contains lead.

This recall involved 83 types of toys, including Sesame Street and Nickelodeon characters Elmo and Dora the Explorer. It involves only toys sold in the U.S. between May and August this year.

On Tuesday, Mattel announced another recall of more than 9 million toys in the U.S., mostly over concerns that children could swallow tiny, powerful magnets in the toys. This recall involves toys made between January 2002 and Jan. 31 this year. Product names include Polly Pocket, Doggie Day Care, Batman and Barbie. One model of Mattel's Cars vehicles, "Sarge," was recalled because of lead paint.

To check whether a toy you own is affected:

1. Go to Mattel's product-recall Web site — http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp — and click on the first link.

2. Click on "View and print the recall brochure." You'll find pictures of affected toys and a guide to finding the product number and date code on each product.

3. Fisher-Price is exchanging recalled toys for vouchers. You have to mail the toys back to Mattel using a prepaid mailing label available here:http://service.mattel.com/us/recall/39054_IVR.asp

4. You'll also need to include the final two pages of the recall brochure with your return, noting which products you are returning and your contact information. For more information, contact Fisher-Price at 800-916-4498.