Protecting Your Children from Lead Poisoning
All children are at risk to being exposed to lead. Learn the facts in order to protect your child from lead poisoning.
Common causes of lead:
• Lead-based paint. (If your home was built before 1978- there is a 75% chance you have lead paint.)
• Ceramic ware, bone china, lead crystal or earthenware dishes
• Tap water
• Household dust
• Dust and soil near industries and roads
Occupations and hobbies related to lead exposure:
• Plumbing and pipe-fitting
• Auto mechanics and body shops
• Stained glass
• Home remodeling or construction
Symptoms of lead poisoning:
• Cranky or restless behavior
• Tired a lot
• Often sick to the stomach
• Has poor appetite
• Problems sleeping
Effects of lead poisoning:
• Lower IQ scores
• Speech and hearing difficulties
• Learning disabilities
• Poor motor skills
• Anemia
• Death
What you can do:
• Screen your children beginning when they are 6-12 months old.
• Ask your doctor how often you should have follow-up checks for lead exposure.
• Keep your home lead-safe.
• Don't let children eat paint chips, dirt or dust.
• Before sanding a painted or varnished surface, wet that surface.
• Have a professional remove lead paint from your home.
• Keep children away from areas where removal of lead paint is taking place.
• Damp-mop floors instead of sweeping.
• Vacuum carpets often.
• Remove clothing when you come home if you are in a lead-risk profession.
• Wash your work clothing separate from other clothing.
• Run cold tap water for at least a minute before using, especially in the morning.
• Feed children foods rich in calcium and iron.
• Feed children low-fat foods.
• Encourage hand washing before every meal, before bedtime and after playing outside.
• Leave shoes at the door.
• Keep children's toys clean.
• If you suspect that you may have lead contamination in your home, call your local health department.
• Keep this 24-hour Lead Hotline number handy: 1-800-LEAD-FYI.
All children are at risk to being exposed to lead. Learn the facts in order to protect your child from lead poisoning.
Common causes of lead:
• Lead-based paint. (If your home was built before 1978- there is a 75% chance you have lead paint.)
• Ceramic ware, bone china, lead crystal or earthenware dishes
• Tap water
• Household dust
• Dust and soil near industries and roads
Occupations and hobbies related to lead exposure:
• Plumbing and pipe-fitting
• Auto mechanics and body shops
• Stained glass
• Home remodeling or construction
Symptoms of lead poisoning:
• Cranky or restless behavior
• Tired a lot
• Often sick to the stomach
• Has poor appetite
• Problems sleeping
Effects of lead poisoning:
• Lower IQ scores
• Speech and hearing difficulties
• Learning disabilities
• Poor motor skills
• Anemia
• Death
What you can do:
• Screen your children beginning when they are 6-12 months old.
• Ask your doctor how often you should have follow-up checks for lead exposure.
• Keep your home lead-safe.
• Don't let children eat paint chips, dirt or dust.
• Before sanding a painted or varnished surface, wet that surface.
• Have a professional remove lead paint from your home.
• Keep children away from areas where removal of lead paint is taking place.
• Damp-mop floors instead of sweeping.
• Vacuum carpets often.
• Remove clothing when you come home if you are in a lead-risk profession.
• Wash your work clothing separate from other clothing.
• Run cold tap water for at least a minute before using, especially in the morning.
• Feed children foods rich in calcium and iron.
• Feed children low-fat foods.
• Encourage hand washing before every meal, before bedtime and after playing outside.
• Leave shoes at the door.
• Keep children's toys clean.
• If you suspect that you may have lead contamination in your home, call your local health department.
• Keep this 24-hour Lead Hotline number handy: 1-800-LEAD-FYI.
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