Pacific Science Supplies Inc. has recalled about 40,000 U-shaped Magnets, Bar Magnets, Magnet Sets and Magnet Needle Sets.  The paint on the magnets can contain excess levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

The "Large" and "Small" U-shaped Magnets are in the shape of a "U" or horseshoe. One half of each magnet is painted red and is imprinted with the letter "N"; the other half is painted blue, and is imprinted with the letter "S".

The "Large" and "Miniature" Bar Magnets are in the shape of a bar. The magnets are painted half red and half white. The red half is imprinted with the letter "N" and the white half is imprinted with the letter "S".

The Magnet set contains a small u-shaped magnet, two small bar magnets, and two small compasses. All magnets are painted half red and half white. The red half is imprinted with the letter "N" and the white half is imprinted with the letter "S". The package is labeled "Magnets & Compasses."

The Magnet Needle Set contains 10 sets of small cone-shape bases and elongated-diamond-shaped magnets which can be fastened into the bases. The magnets are painted half red and half white.

These magnets and magnet sets were manufactured in China and sold through distributors nationwide which sell to educational institutions, including colleges, high schools and middle schools. A small number were sold through educational stores nationwide from April 2000 through February 2008 for about $9.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled magnets and contact the firm to receive a free replacement.  For more information, contact Pacific Science Supplies Inc. at (800) 530-1500 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.pacsciusa.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08345.html