Toys' risk of lead paint hard to track

“It's giving a fine showing as the morning star, which will continue for several more months.”

Q. I'm a new grandma. My 18-month-old grandson lives in Seoul, South Korea, and I'm very concerned about the lead paint danger in toys, which seems to be so prevalent lately. Are the toys dangerous if they are not flaking and the child doesn't put them in his mouth? What about if they are toys he only plays with for the short time he is visiting here? What about toys that were purchased in Seoul for use in Seoul? Is there a test kit? Help!

-- Gracia Schlafly

A. I know you don't want to play with your grandson's health, but the federal government sounds like it's still at recess when it comes to reliable answers to your questions at a reasonable cost. Read more