My dirt devil vac is a few years old and is in need of repair. I pulled out the owner's manual and opened it and on the very first page I read a warning that lead is being used in the manufacture of the vacuum, and that lead is a toxic chemical believed to be carcinogenic. Then, the manual goes on to minimize the hazard, all we have to do is just wash our hands. Are you aware of all the children in the U.S. that became lead-toxic from the eating of paint chips from lead-based paint in their old homes? I'm sure this has happened in other countries as well.They are now brain impaired. How can you take the issue of lead toxicity so lightly??? Especially when it comes to children. Lead is considered toxic, period. I don't want to be around anything that is toxic or carcinogenic. Lead poisoning starts right here, with exposure to "small amounts." Lead poisoning also happens when we are uninformed about its whereabouts. I could not find a single review article of Dirt Devil that mentioned the lead nor is it noted in any advertisement I could find on Dirt Devil. My old Dirt Devil is no longer in my home and I am looking for a new vacuum cleaner. It seems that your company is not the only one using lead materials. Its all supposed to be so hidden. If you need to hide this information from a purchaser, then you know that you are doing something wrong. Put the warning on the box. Sincerely, Augusta