Home Lead Test Kits

Home Lead Test Kits
The other day I saw one of those home lead test kits in the store. With the second recall of 2008 issued this week for excessive lead in children’s toys, I decided to do some research to see if these home kits were worthwhile.

“Useful . . . though limited” is what Consumer Reports said about three of the five testers.

The CPSC study of home lead tests resulted in the following caution : “Consumers should exercise caution when using these test kits to evaluate consumer products for potential lead exposures. False results can make it difficult or impossible for consumers to determine the proper course of action to take. In fact, CPSC staff has tested a number of other samples that had been identified by consumers and others based on their use of inexpensive test kits as having high lead levels. To date, none of these items has actually had high lead levels based on CPSC lab analysis. This is another indication of the poor reliability of the kits for this purpose. Testing by a qualified laboratory and trained personnel is the only way to accurately assess the potential risk posed by a consumer product that may contain lead.”

From a pediatricsblog: “Even if they were reliable, testing toys yourself isn't very practical. Most toys include many pieces or are at least painted with several different colors and you would likely have to test each to be complete. For example, with the Barbie Dream Puppy House that was recalled this year, lead paint was only found on the puppy that was included with the toy. With lead test kits typically costing about $1 a test, it will quickly get expensive to test even just your child's most played with toys. "

Doesn’t look like the home lead test kits are the answer to safety in our children’s toys.

Alicia's News Interview on Fox 19

Alicia's interview with reporter Jill Eichhorn from Fox 19 news aired on December 29th. You can watch the two minute interview by visiting our home page - www.SmartToyChoice.com (link on the bottom right) to hear Alicia and Jill's comments about our personalized toy recall notification service.

Yet Another Recall Affects Our Family

As we finish opening our new toys for the holidays, a recall impacts our toys received LAST Christmas. Today the CPSC issued another recall that will require me to take the fifth toy away from my children this year. My 2 year old's favorite building blocks - the Read To Me Tot Tower by eeBoo was recalled today for a choking hazard. Only 170,000 Tot Towers were part of the recall so it will probably not make the nightly news. It is fortunate that through my work with SmartToyChoice, I knew to remove this toy from his toy chest.

Holes in Toy Recall System

In a recent survey of toy safety, U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) found many holes in the government’s recall system. Two troubling holes for parents are lack of notification about toy recalls and trying to determine if their children’s toys are affected by a recall.

This is why we created a personalized toy recall notification service at SmartToyChoice.com. Parents want only the information that directly affects their children's toys. Who has time to sort through all the unnecessary recall information that does not affect their children's toys? SmartToyChoice.com is available to provide the personalized information parents want in a timely manner. It's a simple, quick process to stay informed!

Interview on WVXU

This morning I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Maryanne Zeleznik of WVXU. I had never been interviewed on radio. The opportunity to talk about SmartToyChoice.com was fantastic. But I selfishly really enjoyed the experience! Maryanne was very welcoming and kind, as was everyone I met at WVXU. The interview went very smoothly then I was off to take my kids to their swim lessons. What more could a mom ask for but a chance to talk about helping other parents with toy recalls and a great day at the pool?

The interview will air during Cincinnati Edition this Sunday, December 23rd at 7:00am. If you are in Cincinnati you can tune your radio to 91.7fm. Or listen online at www.WVXU.org during the broadcast or later from the Cincinnati Edition archives.

Tougher toy recall standards

Yesterday Governor Spitzer of New York called for the federal government to toughen its recall rules. New York state officials found recalled toys on store shelves in Albany and New York City. This is true across the country and online. The fact is recalls are voluntary, not mandatory. Retailers are not required to check their inventory for recalled products or remove them from store shelves. Claire found a recalled toy at a toy store just a few weeks ago. It is important to be careful when purchasing a toy but we also need to be vigilant after a new toy comes home. The government's recall system works but only if parents have the information they need.

Welcome to the SmartToyChoice Blog

Welcome to the SmartToyChoice Blog - we welcome your comments and suggestions about our site.