Is it safe to test for lead using x-rays in my home?

• The handheld XRF analyzer is completely safe for you and your family.
  Even though it uses x-rays, it only examines a very small window that is in
  direct contact with the toy. As long as the device is used properly, there is
  absolutely no safety risk. In fact, flying in a airplane would expose you to
  more natural radiation than testing for lead in your home. To learn more
  about how the NITON XRF analyzer works, click here.

How long does it take to test each toy?

• A simple “Pass/Fail” test can usually be registered in a matter of seconds.
  For more precise measures, 30 to 60 seconds (may) be necessary. Each
  toy can be tested in multiple places in usually less than a couple of minutes.

How much lead in a toy is “safe”?

• Virtually all the regulatory agencies (EPA, FDA, CDC, CPSC) agree that
  there (should) be no lead in any product. Congress has recently passed
  legislation (H.R. 4040: Consumer product safety act of 2008) that changes
  the current guidelines over the next three years to be much more strict.
  Currently, 600 ppm (parts per million) is the standard for imported products,
  but within 36 months after the president signed the bill on August 14th 2008,
  the new standard will be lowered to 100 ppm. The device we use for
  screening can accurately test lead below this level. Essentially, any product
  containing lead that is used by your child should not be considered safe.

Will lead continue to be a problem now that the government is taking
action?

• Yes, this problem is expected to continue in upcoming years even though
  many U.S. companies now monitor their imports for lead. The U.S.
  Consumer Product Safety Commission simply cannot test the thousands of
  different kinds of toys being imported each year. At the present time, the
  CPSC has slightly more than 400 employees, and not all of them are
  inspectors. Although the responsibility is now being put onto the toy
  companies, there can still be problems. It has been found that imported toys
  tested within the same shipment or even assembly line, some toys contain
  lead while others do not. Many areas of the toy’s production are out-
  sourced and may contain lead.

How can I tell if my child is being exposed to lead?

• In most cases, a parent would be unable to tell if their child is being poisoned
  by lead. A majority of children with lead poisoning never appear to be sick.
  When symptoms are even present, they may be confused with common
  childhood ailments, such as stomach ache, crankiness, headaches, or loss
  of appetite.

If my child doesn’t appear to be sick, can lead exposure really be that
harmful?

• Yes, even though you may not notice a difference in your child’s behavior,
  lead poisoning may be causing permanent neurological and developmental
  damage. While you may not notice, your child’s intellectual as well as
  physical growth may be stunted. Low level lead poisoning has been linked
  to lower IQ’s as well as a variety of other behavioral problems.