Nintendo has recalled about 71,000 character-themed lapel pins. The metal pins contain high levels of lead, which can be toxic and cause adverse health effects if ingested by young children.

The recalled lapel pins have images depicting 12 video game characters. They vary in size, ranging from 1- to 2- inches in height. The following character pins were sold individually: Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Mario, Mario Kart, Pikachu, Princess Peach, Samus, Starfox, Waluigi and Wario. Mario, Princess Peach and Samus were also sold as a set.

These pins were manufactured in China and sold at Nintendo stores in Redmond, Washington and New York, NY between April 2004 and November 2007 for between $1.50 and $4. The pins were also distributed to employees at electronics and game stores nationwide from April 2004 through November 2007.

Consumers should immediately stop wearing the lapel pins and contact Nintendo to receive a free replacement. For more information, consumers can contact Nintendo at (800) 431-0971 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site www.nintendo.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled pins, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08257.html