Key Points
- Lead poisoning is preventable.
- Be aware of common lead sources like old paint, imported products, and water from leaded pipes.
- Frequent handwashing, cleaning toys, and a nutritious diet are practical prevention measures.
- Know your home. Know about lead-based paint, follow lead-safe work practices for renovations, and hire certified professionals when needed.
Information for Parents
Lead can be found in:
- Lead-based paint found in homes built before 1978. As the paint ages, it can breakdown creating paint chips and dust that is easily swallowed or inhaled.
- Imported consumer products such as cosmetics, spices, cultural remedies, pottery, and toys.
- Take-home lead from hobbies and occupations.
- Water pumped through leaded pipes.
- Contaminated soil and air.
How can I prevent my child's exposure to lead?
- Wash your child’s hands frequently before eating, after playing outside or on the floor, and before sleeping.
- Wash toys, bottles, pacifiers, and other objects that children handle and put in their mouths.
- Leave shoes at the entrance to your home.
- Keep your child away from bare soil.
- Feed your child healthy foods high in Vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
- Store foods and liquids in lead-free containers.
- Clean floors and windowsills using a damp mop or sponge and detergent.
- Know if your home has lead-based paint before doing renovations or remodeling.
- Use lead-safe work practices or hire a Certified Renovator if your home was built before 1978.
- Use only cold tap water to prepare formula, for drinking and cooking.
- Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking.
- Wash work clothes separately if a job or hobby uses lead.
How do I know if I have lead-based paint in my home and how do I safely remove old paint?
Assume that your home has lead-based paint if it was built before 1978. If you are not sure, hire a Lead Evaluation Contractor.
What should I do if I want to have lead-based paint removed from my house?
- Don't remove lead-based paint until you have reviewed these Lead Safe Work Practices
- Hire a Lead Abatement Contractor
- Hire a Certified Renovator