Amidst the lead paint recalls, parents are turning to home-based lead test kits to protect their children and families from lead poisoning.

Types of kits vary, but most work by applying a substance or swab to a suspected object, then watching for a color change.

Deborah Reff, manager of the health education unit of the childhood lead poisoning program at the county health department, told the Los Angeles Times she recommended LeadCheck Swabs and Lead Inspector.

However, if it shows up positive, it doesn’t mean it has lead, and if it shows up negative, doesn’t mean it doesn’t either.

Blood tests are the only fool proof method to test for lead poisoning. Some local health departments offer free blood tests.

Likewise, professional labs are the best determinants of lead contaminated toys. Watch CPSC.gov for recall updates.

Concerned parents may not feel like waiting for the government to tell them what has lead in it. Children absorb up to 50% of the lead they encounter, vs. 10% for adults. Exposure to lead can lead to long-term neurological defects, and in extreme cases, death.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.