Lead Paint is Poisonous

Lead contamination in children can lead to headaches, irritability, hearing problems, learning and developmental difficulties, even brain damage and death. Prohibited use of leaded paint has caused many recent toy recalls.

Lead is a soft, heavy metal with a low melting point which was used by the Romans for plumbing. Lead is still included in some paints to improve performance, but since the 1970′s these should not be for domestic use. Older paint which chips and powders is easily consumed by small children.

One in twenty children have dangerous blood levels of lead and many children suffer lead poisoning, according to CDC. In adults lead contamination usually occurs when working with lead. Effects on adults include high blood pressure, memory loss, and kidney and reproductive issues.

Concerned? Check to see if your toys are on a US toy recall lists by search or use the contacts for your own country.

This list of Mattel and Fisher Price recalls may help, and this handy lead testing tool will help you check and find out about lead levels in many toys:

Displays Level of Concern for Lead Only