Lead testing?

MamiH

DS my first child that has had this done, and his level was on the higher end but still within the limit.  His ped had us come back to run it again with a venepuncture instead of finger prick.

The only way he could have elevated levels is from toys with lead paint.  I thought I was on top of toy recalls but apparently not.

Anyone else have this?  I'm reallly hoping the test was false.

JOEBunny

I have not, but my friend did.  It turned out that her son's levels were from using an antique toy box.  Many antiques were finished with stains and sealers that contain lead.  We have a lot of antiques and also live in a house built in 1920, so I try to keep an eye on it.  You can buy lead test kits at Lowe's. 

ljlkm

There's lead paint *everywhere*. Get the test and hopefully it's fine. But if it's not, at least you know and can the treatment needed. Hang in there!

Rebekah1021

Do you have an old home? Old homes are often painted with lead paint

JOEBunny

Forgot to add another common source are decks that are built before the change in the way they treat wood.  I think it was in the late 90's that they made that change, but you can google it, if you have an older deck you often play on.

MamiH

Thanks for the responses.  Our home was built 3 years ago and most of our furniture is new.  We don't have antique toys, but most of DS's toys are the ones my older 2 had and played with.  If DS's levels are high again, I'm getting my girls tested also.

RieTea

there are a lot of potential sources (water, soil, paint, hobbies, cooking spices not made in the US that involve lead).

 one thing you can do immediately is to make sure you run your water before drinking it/using it for cooking. If you have city water it is not likely the source since you have a newer house but it is an easy thing to do so why not.

 Also, in light of all the gun talk today. If you/dh ever shoots (hunting, target, whatever) you should change your clothes immediately as it will all be contaminated with lead. I didn't realize this until recently and dh is a police officer who frequently shoots deer at work and I wish I'd have known about the lead dangers earlier.

Definitely get your older kids checked if your child comes back with elevated levels. Lead is not good even in small amounts.

KevinS

Hi,

Lead poisoning is a serious issue that we have been fighting for over 20 years.  It is stories like these that give us the passion and desire to continue the battle with such an underreported problem.  Our children are the ones most susceptible to lead poisoning and the effects can last a lifetime.  

Take a moment to check out our blog at www.LeadCheck.com/blog for all lead related news to protect your children.  We offer a wide variety of products to test for lead in your soil, water, children's toys paint and more.  Help us help you fight this battle.

 Thank you,

Kevin Shanahan

www.LeadCheck.com/blog