How can i test "Lead" on household items such as toys or other stuff, and which items carry "Lead"?

Question

How can i test "Lead" on household items such as toys or other stuff, and which items carry "Lead"?

Answer 1

Its not just the exposure to lead that causes harm but in what way the exposure occured, such as children playing with a toy having lead content then sticking their hands or the toy in their mouth, which is more of a health hazard. I suppose you could find a company that would be willing to test your toy in a lab but it wouldn't be easy and would be very expensive. Other things in your house may also contain lead not just toys, so do more research about your homes contents. Here is two links that may help you a little.

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/eohp/lead/docu...

http://www.usc.edu/hsc/healthnow/2007/11...

Answer 2

The only absolute way is to take them to a local lab.  Note that material has to be removed so anything valuable should not be done this way.  If the object is large enough, a lead testing company (ask the lab) can use an XRF device to test it.  Plates can be done this way.  The least expensive are the lead color test kits that can be bought at a hardware store.  These only tell you if lead is present, not the amount.  An example of these is given in the references, but also the warnings that they are not totally reliable.