Could there be lead in black dust in Russian nesting doll?

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QUESTION: Could there be lead in black dust in Russian nesting doll? 16 Aug 2005, North Carolina USA

Hi. I have a question. My 1 year old daughter was playing with a nesting doll that I brought back from Russia. I noticed that there was black dust on the inside of the doll. I also touched the dust which became somewhat airborne. I'm 5 weeks pregnant. How can we tell if this doll has lead paint and if so, are we at risk from lead poisoning?

Please feel free to respond to my email address.

Thank you. Teddie

ANSWER: 29 Aug 2005

Dear Teddie,

many apologies for the delay in responding but our service is facing closure if we can't find some funding/sponsorship and this task takes me away from what I really want to do which is answer lead questions!

Unfortunately, there could be lead in the black dust in the nesting doll and the best thing to do is for both yourself and your one year old daughter to organise a blood lead test through the doctor. The age of one, and early in a pregnancy are excellent times to have a blood lead test anyway. That way you'll know for sure whether you actually took any lead in and absorbed it.

In the US your local health department will follow up an elevated blood lead level by assessing various items in the home and at that point, the doll could be tested for lead.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to write again to let me know how you go.

Yours Sincerely

Elizabeth O'Brien