Wisconsin-based Highsmith Co., the company that sold the bendable cat and dog toys to the libraries, has issued recalls nationwide. The toys were manufactured in China.

Wisconsin, North Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Oregon and California are among the states with libraries that are attempting to get the word out to parents about the toxic toys.

Indiana health officials reported last week that the toys' accent paint is between 0.4 and 0.24 percent lead. Highsmith subsequently ran additional tests and found that levels were at least 0.277 percent. The maximum safety limit is 0.06 percent.

The shape and size of the toys might tempt children to suck or chew on them, commented Loren Robertson, assistant commissioner of the Indiana Health Department. "If children have these toys, it's important that parents return them to their local library for safe disposal. Also, consider consulting with your healthcare provider for lead screening."

Exposure to lead is especially dangerous for children. It can cause neurological damage, kidney damage, hearing loss and developmental delays.

The US Environmental Protection Agency offers some tips for protecting children from lead poisoning:

For more information about lead, and testing your child or home, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD, or visit http://www.epa.gov/lead.