Consumer Reports has five things parents can do to avoid poisoning their children with leadly toys:

1) TAKE INVENTORY
Check your toys against recalls.gov, and avoid older toys.
2) CLEAN UP
To avoid lead exposure from sources in the home, keep floors and other play areas clean and free of dust and debris…

3) BUY SMART
Avoid no-name products…
4) FIND SUBSTITUTES
Board and picture books, unpainted wooden toys, balls, non-toxic paints and crayons and washable stuffed animals are good bets.
5) GET TESTED
Even children who appear healthy may have high levels of lead. A simple blood test can detect lead levels in children and some states require them.

Read the blog post for more suggestions under each heading.

The revelations that more and more toys are found to contain toxic lead levels has parents worried, but a series of proactive steps can protect your house, children, and peace of mind.

Five things parents can do to avoid lead poisoning [Consumer Reports]
(Photo: Getty)

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