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Certain Voltron Lion Toys To Be Recalled And Exchanged Because Of A Potential Lead Paint Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC --The Consumer Product Safety Commission today issued a warning about a potential lead paint hazard to cons umers who purchased certain Deluxe Voltron Lion robot toys and Miniature Voltron Lion robot toys distributed by Matchbox Toys (USA), Ltd. of Moonachie, Jersey and manufactured in Taiwan for Bandai Co., Ltd. Certain paints on the metal parts on both sizes of Voltron Lions contain levels of lead which are higher than that which is allowed by law. These toys are, therefore, banned. Approximately 203,000 complete sets and 424,000 pieces of Deluxe Voltron Lions and 866,000 Miniature Voltron Lions made in Taiwan were sold to consumers nationwide since July, 1985. Those manufactured in Japan do not contain excessive levels of lead. The Deluxe Voltron Lions set sold for approximately $60.00 to $90.00. The Miniature Voltron Lion sold for approximately $12.00 to $15.00.

A Deluxe Voltron Lion set consists of five separate lions in five different colors which can be connected to one another to form the complete robot figure which is about 11 inches tall. A black lion forms the head and torso. Green and red lions form the arms. Yellow and blue lions form the legs. A consumer can purchase a complete set of all five lions or the separate pieces. All five pieces of the Deluxe version bear Paint on the metal parts which contain excess levels of lead.

The Miniature Voltron Lions which are about 6 inches tall resemble the Deluxe version, but the body parts are not designed to separate.

Although the Consumer Product Safety Commission has not received any reports of lead poisoning associated with these toys, consumers are advised to remove the toys from use immediately and to call a toll free number to obtain a new replacement Voltron. A risk of lead poisoning occurs when lead enters the blood stream. These toys present no health risk to children unless the paint is swallowed.

Some Voltron Lions are NOT being recalled and exchanged.

These include:

• Miniature and Deluxe Valtron Lions "MADE IN JAPAN"
• Voltron Lions made entirely of plastic
• All other Voltron products, including Voltron Warriors, Voltron Gladiators and Voltron Vehicles.

Under laws administered by CPSC, an estimated 325 million potentially hazardous products have been called back from the makeplace and consumer since 1973 (when CPSC was created). Most if these were voluntarily recalled by manufacturers who established programs to repair or replace the products, or to refund the purchase price.

see a picture of Deluxe Valtron Lion

Certain Voltron Lion Toys to be Recalled and Exchanged Because of Potential Lead Poisoning Dangers

see a picture of Deluxe Valtron Lion

To identify the Voltron Lions being recalled and to obtain a free replacement, telephone Matchbox toll-free: 1-800-445-8697. New Jersey call 1-800-445-0012. Consumers may also obtain information about the recalled toys by calling the CPSC toll-free hotline: 300-633-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.