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PHOTO GALLERIES
Easy Steps to a Healthier Home
Are there toxins in your water, linens, and toys? 18 ways to protect your family by Celeste Perron
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In the playroom
POTENTIAL DANGER: Lead in toys
The scoop: You no doubt heard last year that hundreds of thousands of popular toys, including many based on characters from kid favorites like Dora the Explorer and Thomas the Tank Engine, were found to contain lead paint -- a dangerous neurotoxin that can hinder brain development and cause learning and behavioral problems (and which was banned by the government from house paint in 1978). The toys were recalled, forcing parents to stealthily toss them in the dark of night (or return them to the company).
Healthy-home fixes: There's really no way to tell if a toy has lead. (DIY tests aren't accurate, say most experts.) So:
Keep an eye out for toy recalls related to lead paint. You can sign up for
e-mail alerts at recalls.gov; you'll also find an up-to-date listing of recalled toys here.
Find out what's in your kids' toys at healthytoys.org, which lets you sort by specific toy, brand, or type.
Know your child's lead levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend that kids be tested for lead at ages 1 and even 2, if your pediatrician thinks it's necessary based on factors like lead levels in your community. Although results under ten micrograms per deciliter are considered "normal," "based on new research, you should pay attention to blood levels as low as two and find out how the lead exposure is happening," says Dr. Greene.
Get the lead out. Some states and cities have rules for dealing with household lead paint. To find local contacts, go to epa.gov/lead or call 800-424-LEAD.
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