In March 1994, the Oregon Health Division (OHD) analyzed a box of 64 standard-sized crayons following a case of childhood lead poisoning reported by Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) associated with the consumption of jumbo crayons imported from China. The box of crayons analyzed by OHD were grouped into 4 sub-boxes of 16 crayons each based on similar shades of color. Each sub-box was analyzed for lead content as a composite sample (n=16). The highest composite lead content of 250 ppm was detected in the blue/green/yellow sub-box. Individual crayons from this sub-box were then tested to further assess potential health risk. Six of the crayons contained lead ranging from 40 to 830 ppm: 40 ppm (yellow), 50 ppm (leaf green), 140 ppm (yellow-green), 200 ppm (green-yellow), 220 ppm (orange), and 830 ppm (yellowish tan). These results were immediately shared with various inter- and intra-state health agencies including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Based on OHD's data and the documented case of childhood in Arizona, the CPSC initiated a comprehensive testing program the national recall of nearly one million boxes (constituting 12 distinct brands) of crayons imported from China. A thirteenth brand of crayons was voluntarily called by a retailer after CPSC detected potentially harmful levels of lead. This paper describes the role OHD played in the national recall and discusses prevention activities implemented to reduce both the severity and incidence of childhood lead poisoning. The importance of interagency cooperation and coordination is highlighted.