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jean99 · Jul 19, 2006, 11:03 AM

Was paint with lead used on old models
Of matchbox cars?

RickJ · Jul 20, 2006, 03:19 PM

Probably. This has been asked before but it's not a published "record" to confirm so or to confirm that period of years that it was.

Are you asking regarding children playing with them? If so, how old are they and what is the condition of the paint on the cars? Any chipping, etc?

tkrussell · Jul 20, 2006, 03:48 PM

If I may, since there is a question on if they did or not, can I ask that don't take any chances and keep them away from small kids. Put them in a case and seal them off from anyone coming in contact.

This is only because of the experience we had with my son when 3-4 years old. He had the misfortune of being the kid with the highest lead count in the city of 100,000 population. He did not get it from Matchbox, at least I don't think, but proven to be caused by the finishes in our first apartment.

Then came the learning disabilities, Tourette's Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Behavior, and peer pressure. Not all are officially proven to be related to lead poisoning, but try to tell me that.

BTW he is fine at 28, it was a long haul thou, but that's another story. The warnings are valid, keep lead away from everyone. If is is important, there are firms that can test them for a nominal fee.

Thomas1970 · Jul 23, 2006, 12:03 AM

I was not able to find any conclusive information either. Matchbox had recalled Voltron robot toys made in Taiwan as far back as the mid 80's for this reason. Though the majority, made in Japan, were apparently safe.
Speaking from personal experience -- growing up in the 70's, I had a great deal of them, and despite heavy use, they generally looked new as the day they were bought. My older brother on the other hand, had a bucket of them, in terrible shape, much of the paint worn off clear down to the metal. I suspect these were primarily manufactured sometime around the early 60's, possibly some from the 50's, likely not all Matchbox or Hot Wheels, and I have little doubt that some of them were probably finished with lead paint. I rarely handled them though, so can't speak as for having suffered any noticeable effects.
Better to play it safe though, if they do show signs of serious paint wear.

fredg · Jul 23, 2006, 06:53 AM

Hi,
I agree with your answers, and they are good.
Most paints, from years and years ago, contained lead.
Even though research may not prove or disprove certain manufacturer's paints, or products, stay on the safe side; assume it does contain lead.
Best of luck.