LOS ANGELES -- Parents will be able to have their children's toys tested for lead -- a toxin that can cause lifelong health problems -- at four Los Angeles locations this weekend, the City Attorney's Office announced Monday.
The Lead Toy Exchange will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Ritchie Valens Aquatic Center in Pacoima, Stoner Recreation Center in West Los Angeles, Hollenbeck Recreation Center in East Los Angeles and Green Meadows Recreation Center in South Los Angeles.
Toys that are found to contain lead may be exchanged for a $25 American Express gift card. Families can receive two gift cards per household.
"Lead is toxic and our children are at risk," said City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo. "We would recommend that all the toys that you receive for your kids or that you purchase for your children are tested."
Lead is known to cause reproductive harm, birth defects and may cause cancer. Children who ingest lead may experience learning disabilities, hearing loss, reduced attention span and behavioral problems.
Families can RSVP for the toy exchange by logging onto www.LACity.org/LeadToyExchange.
