Thousands of pencil sets sold in Canada have been recalled because the coating contains too much lead, Health Canada said Saturday.

The sets, imported by Amscan Canada of Dorval, Que., have more than 600 milligrams of lead per kilogram in the coating, which means they can't legally be sold or advertised, the department said in a release.

"Pencils that have already been purchased should immediately be taken away from children," the release says.

The recall comes as children are buying back-to-school supplies, but Health Canada said the Favor Set brand pencils have been sold since January.

"Approximately 140,000 units are included in this recall," it said.

The pencils, made in China, do not pose a risk unless a child sucks or chews on them.

Health Canada said it has not received any reports of incidents or injuries from the pencils.

The department website said even short-term exposure to high levels of lead "can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma or even death." Severe lead poisoning is rare, but "even small amounts of lead can be harmful, especially to infants, young children and pregnant women."

It advises parents contact a doctor if they think their child has sucked or chewed on one of the recalled pencils.

Amscan Canada is offering a refund on returned pencils. The company can be reached at 1-800-363-6662.

The 16 recalled sets are:

• 275034 Prehistoric Party Favor Set.
  
• 275049 Keep on Truckin Favor Set.
  
• 277037 Championship Baseball Favor Set.
  
• 277042 Championship Soccer Favor Set.
  
• 277721 Championship Basketball Favor Set.
  
• 277751 Championship Football Favor Set.
  
• 278128 Camouflage Favor Set.
  
• 278222 Pirate Party Favor Set.
  
• 279756 Hearts & Flowers Favor Set.
  
• 279760 Unicorn Magic Favor Set.
  
• 279763 Frogs & Lizards Favor Set.
  
• 279765 Princess Favor Set.
  
• 279766 Shimmering Butterfly Favor Set.
  
• 279780 Underwater Friends Favor Set.
  
• 279781 Safari Party Favor Set.
  
• 349949 Glitzy Girl Favor Set.