Parents have so much to worry about that it seems ridiculous that we still have to be talking about lead poisoning in this day and age. Unfortunately, despite the banning of lead-based paints in 1978 that was supposed to eliminate the problems with lead, there are still plenty of sources for poisoning out there. Here are some quick tips for keeping your children lead-free.

Quick Tips

-Although lead-based paints are still a concern, especially for families that live in older homes, there has been a drastic drop in health issues relating to paint since the ban was put into place. If you purchase an older home, make sure to have the paint tested for lead content, and replace it if necessary.

- Purchase lead free toys. There are literally millions of toys that are imported into the United States from abroad each and every year. Despite the ban on lead, there are still toys that slip through the cracks. Insist on buying your children's playthings from a company that advertises its regular auditing and testing of the products it sells.

- Foreign-made jewelry can be a culprit for lead poisoning as well. Never let your small children play with or suck on cheap beads or suspect metal jewelry. Trinkets made abroad are not as tightly regulated as toys: so beware.

- Have the soil around your home tested for its lead content. Family members may inadvertently be bringing lead dust into the home that is continually circulated and recirculated through the house's heating and cooling system.

Even the most attentive parents can get complacent about lead poisoning: don't fall into this trap, and do everything you can to keep your family lead-free.