Some household items that contain lead-contaminated dust hazards include imported vinyl mini-blinds and imported or antique toys or furniture.
Many vinyl mini blinds manufactured in Mexico and Asia contain lead. These non-glossy, vinyl blinds eventually deteriorate from exposure to sunlight and lead-contaminated dust forms on their surface.
Furniture and toys not manufactured in the United States may not conform to US lead standards. Old or antique toys and furniture may have been painted with leaded paint. Test family heirlooms such as antique cribs, chairs and toys for leaded paint. Do not let children sleep in, play with, or chew on old furniture and toys that may be painted with lead-based paint. Call the Consumer Product Safety Commission (800-638-2772) for recorded messages about product recalls.