Most of us are aware of all the toy recalls due to the use of lead paint in them (in case you are not aware or want more information, go to www.cpsc.gov for information on the recalls).

When all of this hit the news, I had a couple of conversations with friends about my children's lead levels being tested in the past (my children's peditrician automatically writes a script for a blood lead level at the 1 yr well exam). Two friends did not know this could be done. As it turns out, one of them actually requested this from her child's ped and the results came back slightly elevated. She was shocked and scared. Luckily, her child has no developmental issues, etc. and she has only had to step-up her child's nutrition to help treat the elevated level.

I am telling you all of this to encourage you to ask your own child's ped about getting lead levels tested - toy recalls or not. Lead can have a serious impact on a child's physical and mental development.

Most pediatricans automatically draw blood for a lead level at 1 year.  They also will screen with several questions that would put your children at increased risk at subsequent visits.  Some of the risk factors include living in an older home (lead paint), exposed to someone in the lead industry/hobby, etc.  Really, it is the younger kids we worry about due to the fact that they put more in their mouths.  I also routinely check 2 year olds, but after that it depends on the circumstances.