Topeka ? Two state senators are asking the Kansas health agency to make recommendations for preventing toxic toys made in China from reaching Kansas store shelves.

The request of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment was made by Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, an Independence Republican, and Sen. Vicki Schmidt, a Topeka Republican.

Senators cited a report by The Associated Press that identified several small items imported from China that were laced with cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. The items could be ingested by children and absorbed by their bodies.

The Schmidts say this is the second time in recent years that concerns have been raised about toxic imports from China. They say would like ideas for preventing them from reaching stores and harming children.