With toys being recalled by the tanker truck load, The Green Guide suggests a simple way to check your kids' toys for lead: Buy testing kits from leadcheck.com. LeadCheck® Swabs are non-hazardous and provide a rapid, sensitive and specific test for leachable lead on any solid surface including paint, ceramics, vinyl lunch boxes, miniblinds...and toys (800-262-5323; $18.45 for an eight-swab lead test). Lead test kits, however, can give misleading results if proper procedures aren't followed. Be sure to rough up surfaces before swabbing them and apply more pressure over a longer period of time when testing vinyl. Testing by an independent lab is a more reliable, if more expensive, method.
When shopping for new toys, look for unfinished solid wood items (or those finished with linseed oil, tung oil or beeswax). Those made in America and labeled as lead-free are also a safer option. For more tips on choosing toys that are kid- and planet-safe, check out the Toy Product Report.
© The Green Guide, 2007
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