Lead Poisoning from Ingestion of a Toy Necklace — Oregon, 2003

Although ingestion of dust from lead-based paint is the most common source of lead exposure among children in the United States, lead also can be present in unsuspected objects. Ingestion of these objects can result in elevated blood lead levels (BLLs). This report describes an investigation by the Deschutes County Health Department and the Oregon Department of Human Services of lead poisoning in a boy who swallowed a medallion pendant from a necklace sold in a toy vending machine. The investigation resulted in a nationwide recall in September 2003 of the implicated toy necklace. Clinicians and caregivers should consider lead poisoning in any child who ingests, or puts in his mouth, a metal object. Cases of lead poisoning should be reported immediately to public health authorities to prevent other children from being exposed to the same sources of lead.