Lead is very poisonous for kids. It slows the growth of both the body and mind. Lead used to be in house paint and other types of paint.

After 1977, lead was not put in paint. But homes older than this may still have lead paint. Old pipes and dirt may have lead, too. And in 2007, lead was found in some popular toys made in China and sold in the U.S. The toy makers recalled these dangerous toys.

• Watch out for young kids. Young children, especially ages 3 and younger, are at a bigger risk. They tend to put things such as toys in their mouth. They may also get lead dust from the home or soil on their hands and put their hands in their mouth.
• Protect your child. Get him or her tested for lead by a doctor. Clean surfaces and dust at home often. Check the list of recalled toys at www.cpsc.gov. If you have any of the toys listed, throw them away.