Comments on: Reporter's notes: Playing with Lead – Part 1

By: Jo Rhodes

Jo Rhodes — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:06:12 +0000

There are many different tests that can be done to determine if there is lead or other heavy metals in the body, including testing urine or hair. However, at this time, only a blood test is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an indicator of unsafe levels of lead. The action level is 10 ug/dL of lead in the blood. At present, I am unaware of any guidance regarding the how much lead found in urine, hair, etc. is considered lead poisoning or the correlation between levels in the hair, urine, etc. to levels in the blood.

By: Deirdre Billes

Deirdre Billes — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:30:04 +0000

While a lead blood test may reveal recent exposure lead levels, if the child has been exposed to lead over a longer periods of time, heavy metals will settle in cells. I understand that a hair or Stool test is a better indicator of over heavy metal levels in the body. I have used heavy metal hair tests ordered from the Great plains laboratory. It is a simple test that anyone can do quickly and painlessly.

By: Oanh Ha

Oanh Ha — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:40:45 +0000

Hi Erik,
this is Oanh Ha, the reporter on the lead stories. Thanks for your comment. In the report itself, we did name two of the largest chains, Ross and Marshalls, where we found items in violation of the lead limit. Ross is looking into pulling the item and Marshalls is investigating it. You can also take a look at the list of items we found that violate the lead limit, which also includes store names. That link is on the blog, click on "list of items that violate the new lead limit."

By: Erik

Erik — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:16:08 +0000

I notice that none of the stores are named in this report. I wonder why that is. Obviously, we don't want to unfairly single out one business, but it seems like a great way to get immediate results for large chains.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:54:15 +0000

I really appreciate this report because I admit that I felt the media's previous coverage of this lead issue was probably overhyped alarmism. So this report from KQED really put me on a notice because it's coming from a source that I trust and know not to be sensational. I'll be reviewing my kids' toys. Thank you!