TIGO RECALL
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q. Why did First 5 Contra Costa test the TIGO Kits?
A. Due to recent news reports of lead in children’s toys made in China, First 5 Contra Costa voluntarily asked the Center for Environmental Health to test both versions of its TIGO early learning kits for lead contaminants.
Q. When did First 5 discover that its TIGO bags had elevated levels of lead?
A. In early November, First 5 Contra Costa engaged CEH to test the TIGO Kits. First 5 Contra Costa was notified November 21 that the preliminary results indicated the presence of lead. CEH recommended further testing to determine the degree of lead present. First 5 Contra Costa then notified TIGO distributors to stop distribution until the expanded test results were provided. Additional testing was completed December 4.
Q. Do these bags pose a health risk?
A. The most common cause of lead poisoning in California children is from the lead in paint found in houses built before 1978. Some toys and other products can also pose a risk. It is doubtful that any child will become ill from exposure to lead from these bags because lead poisoning typically occurs after repeated exposure.
However, lead exposure is cumulative and we want to do everything in our power to eliminate any possible exposure to children. That’s why we are being proactive and asking parents to stop using TIGO bags distributed by First 5 Contra Costa and our partners and to keep these bags away from infants and small children.
Q. How much lead was found in the bags? What is the accepted lead standard allowed for products?
A. The TIGO-on-the-Go bag had a lead level of 1,500 parts per million (ppm), which exceeds the federal lead limit of 600 ppm in painted products used by children. The TIGO bus bag had a lead level of 2,100 ppm.
While the exposure to lead from the bags is unlikely to result in any immediate health effects, lead ingestion should be avoided since elevated blood lead levels from chronic lead exposure can lead to serious, adverse health effects such as behavioral problems, learning disabilities and organ compromise.
Q. Are the contents inside the TIGO kits safe?
A. Yes. contents of the kit were determined to be safe – including blocks, beads, crayons, books, Play-Doh and a puppet.
Q. How many TIGO kits have been distributed?
A. First 5 Contra Costa has distributed approximately 6,500 kits through trained outreach workers, home visitors, child care providers, and parent educators since 2004. The majority of the kits have been distributed in Antioch, Bay Point, Concord, Pittsburg, Richmond and San Pablo. A small number have also been distributed in Brentwood and Martinez. All TIGO kit distributors have halted distribution and are directly contacting those who have received a kit to provide collection site details.
Q. What should I do with my TIGO bag?
A. You should stop using bags for any purpose and keep it away from infants and small children. The bags should be returned to one of the following collection sites:
- Antioch First 5 Center, 512 West 5th Street, Antioch, CA 94509
- Delta First 5 Center, 760 First Street, Brentwood, CA 94513
- Monument Community First 5 Center, 1736 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94520
- West County First 5 Center, 2707 Dover Street, San Pablo, CA 94806
- Nevin Community Center, 596 Nevin Avenue, Richmond
- Coronado YMCA, 263 South 20th Street, Richmond
Q. How do I get my child tested for lead poisoning?
A. Most children with elevated blood lead levels have no symptoms. The only way to tell is to have a blood lead test. Your health care provider can help you decide whether such a test is needed and can also recommend treatment if your child has been exposed. Children are routinely tested for lead poisoning at 12-month and 24-month check-ups.
The detection of lead in a product does not necessarily mean there has been exposure. It is important to remember that toys and childcare articles are just one source of lead exposure for kids. Children are exposed to lead from other sources as well. For tips on reducing lead exposure for children and pregnant women, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faq/tips.htm.
Q. Will I get a replacement TIGO bag?
A. First 5 Contra Costa is working on getting eco-friendly replacement bags made. We will collect your contact information at one of the collection sites when you drop your TIGO bag. We will contact you when the new bags are ready.
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