First Alert offers easy-to-use lead testing kit for the home With the multiple toy recalls announced every month since May by the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to high levels of lead,many parents are left wondering if their child's favorite toys are safe.While consumers are being urged to check their toys carefully and follow the CPSC guidelines regarding the recalls for affected products,many are also turning to at-home lead testing kits to provide a preliminary indication if lead may be present. First Alert, the industry leader in home-safety products, offers a Premium LeadTest Kit that easily tests for lead on many surfaces including toys, dishes,paint, soil and even water. The First Alert Premium LeadTest Kit contains materials to test up to four separate items with no waiting for lab analysis or extra lab and postage fees. Consumers can choose from either a "rapid"or "patented leach"method to test a variety of household items.With the"rapid"method users simply dip the swab into the included Indicator Solution vial and wipe the desired surface for 30-60 seconds. If the surface or swab tip turns yellow, brown or black, lead is present.No color change indicates no lead is present.The"patented leach" method allows users to gauge the amount of lead that may be present in an item through a testing process using white vinegar (not included), test swabs and the Indicator Solution. If lead is present, the swab will turn color.The amount of lead present dictates the color of the swab. Colors range from a faint yellow tint for a small amount of lead to black for a high lead concentration. When testing paint chips, such as those obtained from toys, it's important to gently scrape the test area with a knife to ensure that all layers of paint are tested. "The lead test kit allows parents to take charge of their child's safety, not only with the screening of potentially dangerous toys, but also for everyday items a child may come into contact with such as dishes,paint, and dust," says Tom Russo,CEO of First Alert."In just an afternoon,parents can test key items and know whether or not lead may be present for added peace of mind." The First Alert Premium LeadTest Kit is not intended to replace a professional inspection by an accredited commercial laboratory, but will detect high lead levels that exceed government guidelines. Toys with more than .06 percent lead are subject to recall, according to current regulations. First Alert's lead testing kit is available through www.firstalert.com, www.amazon.com and at select hardware stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of $16.99. First Alert also offers a DrinkingWaterTest Kit (MSRP: $16.99), a Radon GasTest Kit (MSRP: $19.99) and a Mold Detection Kit (MSRP: $16.99). Homeowners can learn more about the lead testing kit and the full line of First Alert home-safety products by visiting www.firstalert.com. BRK Brands, Inc. (Aurora, Ill.), is a fully owned subsidiary of Jarden Corporation (Rye,N.Y.) NYSE:JAH, a leading provider of niche consumer products used in and around the home. For nearly 40 years,BRK Brands Inc. has been the manufacturer of First Alertbranded home-safety products including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and escape ladders. Such products are also manufactured and marketed under the BRK Electronics brand for the builder and contractor audiences.BRK Brands, Inc.products are found in more than 30 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.firstalert.com,www.brkelectronics. com or www.jarden.com.