The news about high lead levels in popular children’s toys and toy manufacturer recalls has been a hot topic recently. And many of you may feel overwhelmed by the toy recall information and are looking for a central information resource.

A list of recalled toys can be found on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site. Here, you can review a list of toys recalled for high levels of lead. You can also review what toys have been recalled for other health and safety problems such as danger for magnetic ingestion or choking and entrapment hazards. A picture of each toy is available to help you identify the product.

Lead is most often found in paint or dust, but it may also be found in toys and other sources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that lead can be found in the following sources:

• Traditional home health remedies such as azarcon and greta which are sometimes used for upset stomach or indigestion in the Hispanic community
• Imported candies
• Imported toys and toy jewelry
• Imported cosmetics
• Pottery and ceramics
• Drinking water contaminated by lead leaching from lead pipes, solder, brass fixtures, or valves
• Consumer products, including tea kettles and vinyl mini-blinds  

Children often ingest lead when they place their fingers and lead contaminated objects (such as toys) in their mouths. Prevention is key when dealing with lead exposure and children. If you believe that your child has been exposed to lead, you should contact your child’s physician immediately. A blood test can be performed to determine your child’s blood lead level.

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