New York-based Marvel Entertainment on Thursday announced a recall of Curious George dolls in Canada and the U.S. because they contain unsafe levels of lead.

"The safety of our consumers — especially children — is our top concern. We were deeply disturbed to learn of these results," said Joann McLaughlin of Marvel Toys in a release.

Four styles of Curious George dolls are being recalled because they contain unsafe lead levels.
(Marvel Entertainment)

In October, the advocacy group the Center for Environmental Health said independent testing showed the dolls contained 10 times the allowable amount of lead. In response, Marvel retested its line and found unsafe lead levels in its Birthday, Fireman, Sweet Dreams and Tool Time Curious George dolls.

The recall affects about 110,000 dolls, including about 6,000 sold in Canada, since 2005, according to the company.

High amounts of lead can harm the nervous system, kidneys and other major organs. Anemia, a decline in red blood cells, can occur, as well as damage to the nervous system that may impair mental function. At worst, lead poisoning can cause seizures or death.

In recent months, U.S. and Canadian officials have issued a series of recalls of made-in-China toys for safety problems involving lead levels and magnets.