Group offering free testing of toys for toxic chemicals
An environmental group is inviting people to bring in toys to have them tested for toxic chemicals.
The testing is part of Clean Water Action's campaign to support new federal legislation on toxic chemicals.
The group will use an X-ray device like that used by the Food and Drug Administration to detect and measure lead, cadmium, and other problem substances.
Program organizer Kim LaBo said that sometimes the results are surprising.
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"We tested an old plastic container from the '80s that had very high levels of cadmium, it was 2,795 parts per million, and that was surprising, so you never know what you're going to find," LaBo said.
LaBo said people should bring toys, especially painted wooden items, and children's jewelry.
"As parents I think it's best to know if your child has been playing with something that's harmful, but a number of things we've tested have been OK so it's nice to have that peace of mind as well," LaBo said.
Testing will be available for free on Thursday at Clean Water Action's office at East Hennepin and Northeast University avenues in Minneapolis.