Recent concerns over lead-containing toys have left parents wondering whether their children's playthings are safe.

In an effort to make sure Northland families are safe, the Lead-Free Douglas County task force provided free lead-testing for the community.

While stores were quick to pull lead containing toys from the shelves, many households may still have items containing lead.

"Oh yeah, you don't know if you already have toys that have lead, you don't know were they able to recall everything on the shelves," says Stephanie Fudally.

She is here to have some of her 1-year old's toys tested, and was was very relieved to discover all of her items were lead-free, "Everything passed, so everything is healthy, so very good news."

But not everyone was as pleased with what they found, and toys weren't their only concern.

"The results for this plate were lead paint and it's pretty high for lead content," says one of the lead testers Holly Johnson.

Ken Grant was surprised to discover a fondue plate he's eaten off of for years contained such high levels of lead, "I was surprised, I have another ceramic fondue pot that I heat cheese in and I'll probably bring that too."

Tracy Ryks with Twin Ports Testing says about a third of all items tested came back positive for lead, "It has been very reassuring for the community. The people that are coming in and finding that their toys and items are passing, it's been really reassuring."

Particularly in a community that has reason to be concerned.

"Superior's housing stock is the tenth oldest in the U.S., so that impact alone says that we are going to have a higher instance of exposure because of lead pipes, lead paint," says Sandy Alquedah with the Catholic Charities Bureau.

Lead containing items were photographed, logged, and owners were able to leave them at the site for proper disposal.

Nurses were also onsite to discuss any lead concerns.

"I just love coming in to get it all checked cause you'd hate to give your child something that would be very dangerous," reaffirms Stephanie Fudally.

In Duluth, Julie Pearce, the Northland's NewsCenter.

If you missed getting your items tested, don't fret.

The task force will be hosting another testing event on March 8th at the Housing Expo in Duluth.

Twin Ports Testing can also check for lead using a 35-dollar test.

For more information on the hazards of lead poising visit out website at Northlands NewsCenter dot-com and click on "newslinks."