It seems that there have been high lead levels found in many products lately causing people nationwide to take a look at the products around their homes and wonder if they are safe. High lead levels have already been found in a wide variety of products including some toys, jewelry, holiday lights and ornaments, poker chips, calcium supplements, chocolate, pickles, pet products and lipstick. The possibilities of your child coming in contact with one of these sources themselves or through you are almost too scary to imagine. You can find a list of recalls for items with high lead levels as well as for other reasons on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website. If you have additional concerns home test kits are available. View Consumer Reports findings on five of them.

Even if you are successful at cleaning out all the products in your home that contain unsafe levels of lead, are you really safe? Can your home be a source for lead exposure? Regulations regarding lead-based paint have been in effect since 1992. Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built prior to 1978. In fact, more than three-quarters of these units are believed to contain some lead-based paint. Typically lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard. It becomes a hazard when it begins peeling or cracking or when friction spots, like doors and windows, rub creating dust. When you buy, sell or lease a home any actual knowledge of lead-based paint or their hazards is required to be disclosed. Often times the owner may not be aware of the presence of lead-based paint so it becomes the buyer's responsibility to have the property inspected for lead. If you are considering testing your home for lead read the EPA's booklet Testing Your Home For Lead , read these frequently asked questions, or call 1-800-LEAD-FYI for additional publications regarding lead.

Why not find out as much as you can? It's for your family's safety