In an effort to better understand the lead-in-toys scandal, I had a chance today to talk to an industry expert on the topic. Dr. Marcia Stone holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and is Founder/President of Hybrivet Systems, a manufacturer of lead-testing equipment for industry and home use. She has worked in the lead testing field for 15 years.

I asked Dr, Stone why manufacturers would use lead paint? She explained that "Lead in paint provides a hard, glossy, pretty finish, the reason it was once used extensively in expensive housing. Leaded paint is also easy to work with and inexpensive."

What lead-containing products have you found on American shelves that consumers should be concerned about?
"The scandal over lead in children's jewelry is not over; we continue to find these products for sale," said Stone. She told me manufacturers will use a core of lead in cheap jewelry and cover it with nickel plating or paint, or use a solder containing lead in its construction. Children often chew on their jewelry, and as little as three milligrams of lead, about the size of three grains of sugar, can kill a child. Since lead has a sweet taste, the propensity for children to ingest it is even greater.