Preventing Lead Poisoning

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Quick Tips

Children between 6 months and 6 years old should be screened for lead poisoning once a year. There is no safe blood lead level.

Wash children’s hands frequently, especially before meals.
Use two buckets when cleaning – one for soap and another for rinsing.
Use a damp mop to clean floors.
Wipe toys, furnishings, windowsills and other surfaces that children may touch with a damp cloth frequently.
Thoroughly rinse all surfaces, sponges, and mops after cleaning.
Wash stuffed animals regularly.
Wash pacifiers and bottles when they fall on the floor.
Vacuum carpets with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter at least twice a week.
Have people take off shoes at the house entrance. Use a doormat, and clean it frequently.
Throw away window coverings made of vinyl.
Keep children (unborn, too) away from any major house repairs.
Do not touch flaking paint; be sure it is not tracked through the house.

Run tap water for 1 minute before drinking or using for cooking.
Test your tap water and install a water filter if necessary (carbon filters remove lead effectively).
Use cold water for cooking as hot water may contain lead from pipes.
Do not use unfiltered or untested water for baby’s formula. Boiling increases the amount of lead in water

Feed your children healthy foods, such as eggs, red meats, beans, spinach, broccoli, raisins, and dairy products. A healthy diet helps the body take in less lead.
Do not use pottery or cans to store food and beverages.
Do not use china or ceramic dishes unless they have been certified lead-free.

Avoid gardening within three feet of your home’s foundation if built before 1978.
Limit your use of scented candles and incense, which may leave black marks containing lead. Candles with stiff, metallic wicks can release lead into the air.
Properly recycle computer screens, TV sets, electronic games, and plastic toys.