Unsafe Levels of Lead Found in Many Common Children’s Christmas Gifts

EMSL Analytical testing reveals high levels found throughout numerous products.

EMSL Analytical, the leader in providing cutting edge laboratory testing services, has been busy providing lead testing for companies and concerned parents across the country. Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for years in products found in and around our homes. Since earlier this summer the media has exposed a surprising number of respected brand name toys that have been found with high lead levels.

In most countries the use of lead in products is banned or strictly limited. Recent media reports have found enforcement of these lead regulations in foreign manufacturing countries to be ineffective at times. The increased public awareness has manufacturers, product distributors, retailers and parents much more concerned and increasingly testing products for lead.

A recent round of lead testing that took place at EMSL Analytical’s state of the art lead testing laboratory found some surprising results that will reinforce the need to continue testing children’s products. Current regulations state that any toys with more than 0.06% lead are subject to recall and EMSL’s study found the following lead levels:

Item % Lead
Child’s faux diamond necklace 0.08
Child’s tape measure 0.7
Play magnets 2.5
Orange paint on child’s necklace 1.3
Protractor 0.15
Play thermometer 2.4
Guaranteed lead free ink 0.3
Faux military dog tag 5.2
Tea party plate 0.16
Child’s telescope 6.4
Child’s purse 0.35
Bead from child’s bracelet 31
Decorative pillow 0.2
Ruler 0.19
Charm from necklace 0.15

EMSL is dedicated to providing the most cutting edge analytical techniques for testing lead in numerous types of products. The company also provides affordable home test kits that provide results for anxious parents in as little as 30 seconds.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a leading, national provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. The company has been operating under the same ownership for 26 years and now operates at 28 facilities nationwide.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

Director of Business Development

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail