The huge toy maker RC2 Corporation pulled a number of its Thomas & Friends trains and accessory parts off the shelves recently after discovering that the red and yellow paint used to decorate more than 1.5 million of the trains contained lead. Translation ? testing isn't important lets just make that almighty dollar.

The ever so popular James the tank engine is among those Thomas & Friends toys being recalled because the red and yellow paint used to decorate them contains lead. I'm going to go out on a limb and say ? I bet this would be totally unacceptable to the creator of the Thomas phenomenon Rev. Awdry.

ATTENTION ALL PARENTS

Lead, if ingested by your child, can cause long-term neurological problems that affect learning and behavior. If you are among those parents who hasn't heard of this, please be warned. An alert posted on the website entitled, ?Thomas The Train Fan Site? stated that the toys that bear a code containing a ?WJ? or ?AZ? on the bottom of the toy or the inside of the battery door are not included in the recall.

Initially the company told consumers to simply mail their Thomas The Train toys in, at their own expense no less, in exchange for a replacement and a free train, an offer that angered some consumers. I was among those consumers that were angered. How in the world could you sell something that could possibly affect my child in a negative way. Then ask me to pay ?AGAIN? to ship the product back to them.

I know that my son and my nephew have everything Thomas The Tank Engine. I'm talking about all of the products, bathroom supplies, even Thomas The Tank Engine curtains. Could you imagine having to ship about twenty or thirty of those freaking heavy toy trains? That my friend could add up in cost pretty fast. After numerous complaints the company finally agreed to handle the shipping cost for those who requested it.

THE GUILTY PARTY

My research has confirmed that the affected Thomas toys were manufactured in China. I'm not to surprised about this fact, seeing as if the majority of items in America is manufactured in China. Although China has been under fire for exporting a variety of goods, from pet food to toothpaste, which may pose safety or health hazards they continue to put us all in danger.

A LITTLE FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Here is a little food for thought. Who will be responsible for the testing of our children for lead poisoning? What about those family's that do not have insurance? What if insurance refuses to pay for the testing? What if the insurance will pay for the testing, how much will it increase our insurance, or will they drop us over this?

It could just be me, but I am concerned about this and as a parent I hope you are too.