- Q1.
What is the scope of this recall? How many items/products are affected?
Of the several hundred items tested by our vendors, we learned that a very small number of our manipulatives contained paint with excess levels of lead. Each of the recalled items can be found on this site.
- Q2.
How are you addressing/fixing the problem?
Out of an abundance of caution in light of recent toy recalls, we instructed each of our major vendors to verify that the manipulatives they supply to McGraw-Hill comply with applicable lead paint requirements.
We worked with our vendors immediately to inform the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and proactively took the necessary steps to voluntarily recall the affected items.
We sent a letter to all affected customers with further details on the specific recalled items and instructions on how to participate in the recall.
We also have created this website, www.mhcares.com, dedicated solely to informing educators, students and parents with details about the recalls and addressing your/their concerns.
- Q3.
What will you do to ensure this doesn’t happen again?
Going forward, we are requiring our vendors to use an independent qualified laboratory to conduct both pre-market and production tests to verify compliance with all applicable safety standards before any product is delivered to us.
- Q4.
Have you tested all of your education products for lead and other harmful materials?
Yes, we asked our major vendors to have all painted items tested by independent, qualified laboratories.
- Q5.
Are you concerned that other products may be affected?
We asked our vendors to have all painted items tested by independent, qualified laboratories.
All major vendors’ painted products have been tested. We are in the process of recalling all affected products.
Of the several hundred items tested by our vendors, only a very small number of our manipulatives contained paint with excess levels of lead.
- Q6.
Are your textbooks safe? Have you tested the ink or other materials involved in their printing?
Our textbooks are safe.
Textbooks and textbook covers are not painted. We consistently have followed industry printing standards to compile and print our textbooks.
- Q7.
How dangerous are these items? Can my child get sick from touching them? Putting them in their mouths?
While recalled items contain lead paint exceeding mandatory levels, we are not aware of any reports of illness associated with these products.
If you have concerns, we encourage you to speak with your doctor.
- Q8.
Do I need to seek medical attention if my students or children have been exposed to these products?
All of our customers have been contacted directly to inform them of the recall and help identify if they possess recalled products.
We have also established this website, www.mhcares.com, with further information on the recall.
Any additional questions can be directed to our hotline, 1-888-240-2730.
- Q9.How do I know if I have one of these items?
All of our customers have been contacted directly to inform them of the recall and help identify if they possess recalled products.
Any additional questions can be directed to our hotline, 1-888-240-2730.
- Q10.What do I tell parents in my district if they have questions?
Parents should know that McGraw-Hill Education is deeply committed to providing safe, high-quality products to all our customers.
It is also important to note that the recall affects only a small number of manipulatives that are intended for supervised use in the classroom.
Concerned parents should feel free to review the material on this website or call our hotline at 1-888-240-2730
- Q11.What are manipulatives? What age group typically uses manipulatives?
Manipulatives are tools that teachers can use in the classroom to better illustrate a particular lesson.
Typically manipulatives are purchased in classroom sets; students do not use them individually.
They typically are used in the classroom and under teacher supervision.
They are used in all grades from kindergarten through 8th grade.
