Lead is dangerous substance to children and adults. It can cause many health problems. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission lead based paint is the major source of lead poisoning in children. In children lead poisoning can cause brain damage and hinder mental functioning. Even very small amounts can harm fetal development. In adults can cause irritability, muscle coordination problems, and nerve damage.

If you live in an older home you might be concerned that their might be lead paint in your home. Even if you do not, there are other sources of lead that could be in your home. Some of these items include, but are not limited to pottery and ceramics, lead crystal decanters, fishing sinkers, and stained glass windows.

As we are all aware even some toys are children play with may contain lead.

Last year there were many recalls because of lead based paint used on toys made in china.

Don't panic just yet there are ways to test everything from paint to toys. If you live in an older home you may want to take advantage of testing programs offered by your local health department. They can test paint chips in a lab. This is one of the most accurate ways to test for lead in paint.

There are also home testing kits you can buy of the internet and at you local hardware stores. The prices vary from around $9.00 to $40.00. There kits include any where from a few test swabs to a hundred swabs.

One of the easier test kits I found is Lead Check. It can be ordered online. Of the many kits I looked at while researching this article it seemed to be one of the less complicated kits. You can get eight swabs for under $20. Each swab only works once. They are non toxic and disposable. They can be used on any surface. The swab will turn pink instantly if lead is present and the entire testing process only takes thirty seconds.