Lead level prompts recall of Sport Balls

WASHINGTON, July 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the voluntary recall of American Greetings Corp. balls, sometimes given as gifts at children's parties.

About 90,000 packages of DesignWare Sport Balls were imported from China and sold nationwide between August 2004 and April 2009.

Each Sport Balls package contains a miniature basketball, football, baseball and soccer ball and costs about $3.50.

The surface paint on the balls contains higher concentrations of lead than considered safe under federal standards, the commission said in a statement.

Consumers are advised to take the balls away from children and contact American Greetings for a free replacement or a refund.

Consumers can call 800-777-4891 for more information.