Lead Testing Kits Are Unreliable, Health Canada Says

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Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Blood / Hematology;  Public Health
Article Date: 20 Dec 2007 - 0:00 PST

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Home lead testing kits have been more heavily promoted since the number of recalls of toys containing too much lead has increased. The Product Safety Laboratory, Health Canada, has tested several of these home lead test kits and has found that they are not generally that reliable. Kits varied considerably in their accuracy - the investigators explain that the material being tested can also skew results.

Lead is poisonous when the human body absorbs it. It is a naturally occurring element. We are continually exposed to trace amounts of lead - amounts which generally do not do us any harm. When levels of lead in the body are too high (toxic) they can cause serious problems, especially to children. In fact, as far as young children are concerned, it does not take that much lead to start causing learning and behavioral difficulties.

The Health Canada's Hazardous Products Act limits the amount of lead that can be present in toys and children's jewellery.

Most of the test kits use color to indicate levels of lead. These colors can be affected by pigments present in the product being tested. Products which have high lead content and also a protective or decorative coating may not be detected with these home kits. The kits can quickly lose their performance as they have a limited shelf life.

The testers also found that often the test results were not easy to interpret. A positive reading does not always mean that levels of lead in the product are toxic.

Consequently, Health Canada does not advise consumers to use home lead test kits.

So, how can you protect your kids?

-- If you are not sure about a child's toy or jewellery item, if you have a suspicion, make sure it is out of the reach of children

-- If it is a cheap product you can discard it with your normal household waste

-- If the product is not cheap, get in touch with the manufacturer or retailer and talk about your lead content concern

-- If paint is peeling off any of the product's surfaces make sure children cannot get to it, as children may swallow the bits that peel off

-- If you think your child might have swallowed something which contains lead contact a health care professional immediately

-- If your child has been sucking or chewing something which you believe may contain lead, and this has been happening regularly, contact a health care professional and ask for a blood test

Effects of Lead on Human Health - Health Canada

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
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