NPR: Lead Test: Do Not Try This At Home

Lead Test: Do Not Try This At Home

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In light of all the toy recalls because of high levels of lead, I've been thinking about doing a segment on lead testing kits for the home. So I started Googling "home lead test kits" and found this little item: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, home lead test kits aren't reliable.

Wait, so is it just me or are they basically saying, "We can't help you, and you can't help yourselves?"

Or is the real take-away that the CPSC doesn't have the money, time or manpower to test toys for lead, but they can test lead testing kits?

Tricia McKinney

2:37 PM ET | 11- 1-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I was going to buy a 24 pack kit--I'm glad I saw this first. I am a frequent listener to NPR, and I vaguely remembered a segment on lead, so I just added "NPR" to my search. Now I want to throw all of my 2 year olds toys away. We don't let her have a lot of toys. I checked with a Montessori toy catalog, and all of their toys come from China.

Sent by Lesli Bair | 11:32 AM ET | 11-04-2007

@ Lesli,

We're going to do a segment on lead testing on Tuesday morning's show, so stay tuned.

Sent by Tricia | 12:58 PM ET | 11-04-2007

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