The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 71,000 Nintendo character-themed lapel pins due to the presence of toxic lead in the paint.

The pins were sold at Nintendo stores in Redmond, Washington and New York, New York between April 2004 and November 2007 for between $1.50 and $4 each. They were also distributed to some lucky employees at electronics and games stores nationwide during that same time period.

Distributed by Nintendo of America Inc. and imported by Pro Source Inc., the pins were made in China. The recall includes the following character pins: Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Mario, Mario Kart, Pikachu, Princess Peach, Samus, Starfox, Waluigi and Wario. The pins measure 1 to 2 inches in height.

If you have one of these pins, you should immediately take it away from your child and contact Nintendo for instructions on receiving a free replacement lapel pin. You can reach them by calling (800) 431-0971 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or by visiting their Web site.