Final answer:
Mattel recalled nearly two million toys in 2007 due to high levels of lead in the paint. The safety concern reflects broader public health issues associated with lead exposure in products and environments, such as older homes with lead paint.
Step-by-step explanation:
The company that was forced to recall hundreds of thousands of toys sold between April and July of 2007 due to the presence of lead paint was Mattel. The recall involved nearly two million toys that were imported from China. This action was taken because the toys had high levels of lead in the paint, which is a significant health hazard, particularly for children.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns around product safety and the monitoring of imported goods. Additionally, it underscores the wider considerations of environmental health and safety as reflected by issues such as the presence of lead paint in older homes and the potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and health.
Historically, lead has been used in a variety of products from paint to water pipes, making lead exposure a consequential public health issue. For example, lead paint was banned by the U.S. government for housing in 1978 but still exists underneath newer layers in older homes and can pose a risk when renovations take place.