We here at Greenthinkers have done our best to keep you informed of all the recalls out there. But we’re also looking to go beyond that and talk about what you can do, in the absence of having all the recall information at your fingertips, to avoid lead poisoning in your own home. And that’s where Consumer Reports comes in.

• Take Inventory. Check your favourite recall website (recalls.gov, for example) frequently o see if things you own or any hand-me-down items have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

• Clean Up. To avoid lead exposure from sources in the home, keep play areas clean and free of dust and debris. Wash your children’s hands and playthings often. And feed your child a healthy diet rich in iron and calcium - children with good diets absorb less lead.

• Buy Smart. Be careful when you buy no-name items, or buy toys at places like thrift stores or yard sales.

• Find Substitutes. Try to avoid bringing playthings with troubled track records into your home by finding safe alternatives for your child (board and picture books, unpainted wooden toys and balls, for example).

• Get Tested. If you are concerned, get your child tested for lead.

Via Consumerist.