Most of the recent fervor over toys comes form the lead content in them. The problems of lead are relatively well documented and accepted.  Lead is a naturally occuring substance but it has been used extensively in many products. Read More Below...

Most often you hear about lead  in paint but lead paint was outlawed almost 30 years ago in 1978.  Most lead paint is in old homes, old furniture and more recently in the news imported products from China.  Lead was a major additive in gasoline to prevent knocking but has been since eliminated for other safer compounds.  We also use Lead in radiation shielding (that heavy vest you wear when taking an X-Ray),  fine glass crystal,  solder, batteries and many other products.  Most often Lead use is safe and controlled and the risk is minimal.  However when Lead can enter the body through many ways.

Lead doesn’t immediately cause problems.  It tends to build up in a person and eventual wear enough systems down that a persons intellect,  learning ability, coordination, hearing are affected.  At higher levels seizures, coma and death can result.  It’s also EXTREMELY dangerous for pregnant mothers and can result in premature birth or miscarriage.  A simple blood test can determine the levels of lead in a person and determine if treatment is needed.  No level of lead is safe so if you are unsure test and make sure.

The most common is through Lead paint.    Intact paint (no chips or cracks) can still be dangerous if on doors, windows or other places that have friction that can cause dust to form.  Toys that contain Lead paint are dangerous as the paint could chip from use or from the child putting the toy into their mouth.

To prevent Lead poisoning remove Lead paint from your home (if your home was built after 1978 it SHOULD be OK).  Extensive remodeling should be handled by professionals unless what you are working with is certified Lead free.  You should also plan to leave your house during renovations as Lead dust will be in the air.   If you DO decide to do the work yourself, follow some simple rules.

• Keep kids AWAY.
• Seal off rooms and cover everything with plastic.
• Wet surfaces to reduce the amount of dust thrown up.
• Never burn  Lead paint off or scrape  the paint when it dry.  If you have to, use a sander equipped with a HEPA filter.
• When you finish carefully dispose of tarps and mop the work area.  Use a new clean mop for the final cleaning.

Even if you have no lead paint in your home there are several OTHER ways Lead can get into your home.

From a job that may expose the worked to Lead such as construction, vehicle repair or work with stained glass.   The best way to eliminate this source is to wash and change clothes BEFORE returning home.

Contaminated dirt from old buildings or industrial emmisions can be tracked into your home or playing in that dirt can cause poisoning.  If you suspect Lead in the dirt keep kids on grass and in a sandbox.

Test your water if there is Lead detected most often it is NOT from the water supply but from the plumbing inside the house.  Water that has sat in the pipes or is hot is more likely to contain Lead so avoid drinking or cooking with it.  Instead try to let the water run for a bit or use a filter or bottled water.

Finally your cooking and diet can play a large part in preventing Lead poisoning.  Make sure that the items you use to store food do not have Lead in them.   Also make sure if you have a garden that the soil is lead free.   Certain foods will help keep you and your family Lead free.  Calcium and Vitamin C  are key in reducing the your ability to absorb Lead.  Also iron rich foods will help keep you healthy.  Reduce fats and oils as these help your body absorb Lead.

If you are looking to test products  for lead there are several test kits out there HOWEVER the EPA has found that they are ineffective at testing anything but lead paint .  Lead jewelry and vinyl products should be tested by professional labs.

I hope this post is helpful in Getting the Lead out of your life.  If you want more information check out the EPA’s Website.