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Putting Lead in Perspective This Holiday Season

Lead - it's the No. 1 concern on most parents' minds as they cram the toy aisles and surf online for their kids' wish lists. After a year full of unsettling recalls, many moms and dads are wondering what's really safe - and with good reason.

With chronic exposure, lead can accumulate in the body, causing lead poisoning, which can bring on a host of serious health problems like learning and hearing disabilities, behavior problems, and delayed development. Even low levels of lead in a child's blood can indicate enough exposure to the toxin to cause subtle difficulties with behavior and learning that are mostly irreversible.

The good news is that now, more than ever, toy companies are really stepping up their toy testing to make extra-sure that the playthings kids unwrap this holiday season - and beyond - are OK. Although it's natural to be a little wary, the toys being sold in stores today are, if anything, safer than ever. And it's important to note that lead paint in homes - not toys - is the main cause of lead poisoning in kids.

Still, it's easy to become an informed consumer and to keep lead from affecting your kids.

FAQs About Lead

The barrage of information in the media and constant recall announcements can feel overwhelming. So here are some of common lead-related questions answered:
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