Nov 30, 2007 10:15 pm US/Eastern
Newton Store Offers Lead Testing For Toys
By WBZ-TV's Jim Smith
NEWTON (WBZ) ―
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These Curious George dolls are among toys recently recalled for lead paint.
AP
This can be a nerve-wracking holiday season to shop for toys thanks to recent recalls of products tainted with lead. Now one local toy store is taking extra steps for safety.
The Green Planet Kids toy store in Newton offered free lead screening Friday night, courtesy of local high-tech firm Innov-X Systems. Using a special handheld x-ray unit, they can scan toys to test for lead levels.
"Customers were asking questions and I had heard about this company and contacted the manufacturer," said Annabelle Ship.
Parent Sean Doyle took advantage of the service, and brought in some of his daughter's favorite toys for a checkup. Zoe, 5, is a big fan of the Little Mermaid, and now her Dad can rest assured that all of her mermaids are lead-free.
"It's sort of disturbing that I have to do this myself instead of the government," Doyle said.
Green Planet checked all of its products, found a few that tested positive and removed them from the shelves. Customers were allowed to bring in any toy Friday, no matter where they bought it. Only about five toys tested positive all day long.
So what should you look for? The experts say anything thickly painted could pose a risk, especially yellow and red paint. Also, old hand-me-down toys may contain lead.
Green Planet Kids will offer the free lead tests again on Sunday, December 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store is located on Lincoln Street in Newton Highlands.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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