How to Lead poisoning ~ Taking measures to reduce the risks of exposure

Facts you should know about lead poisoning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• prevention tips
• what to avoid
• exposure safety

1. Lead-based paint is the major source of exposure for lead in U.S. children.
   Houses built before 1978 are likely to contain some lead-based paint. However, it is the deterioration of this paint that causes a problem.
   Housing built before 1978, assume that the paint has lead unless tests show otherwise.
2. Make sure your child does not have access to peeling paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint.
   Hands and toys can become contaminated from household dust or exterior soil. Both are known lead sources.
   Household dust is a major source of lead, parents should wet-mop floors and wet-wipe horizontal surfaces every 2-3 weeks. Windowsills and wells can contain high levels of leaded dust.
3. You can also come in contact with lead through antique pewter, porcelain and pottery and fishing weights. Numerous states have now linked children's lead poisoning to plastic mini-blinds imported from China, Taiwan, and Mexico. Most homes today have these mini-blinds and can be bought easily at most discount stores, and home improvement stores.
   The food your child eats can be contaminated if it is grown near sources of lead pollution. Lead can also be on the hands of someone who had prepared your food. The lead seams on can food is no longer used in the U.S. because of the lead content.

Tips & Warnings

• Feed your child a well-balanced diet that's high in vitamin C, calcium and iron. Vitamin C helps protect the body against lead.
• Don't leave any food in open cans and put back in refrigerator for storage.
• Be on the look out for chipping paint.
• Replace all your mini-blinds made outside the U.S. with lead free blinds.
• Don't allow your child to east snow or icicles.
• Remember, if you suspect your home of having a high level of lead, consult a professional. It's important to remove the source from your home but don't try to do it yourself because you could make the situation worse by spreading the lead. For more information contact your local housing authority or call the National Lead Information center. their phone number is:1-800-lead-fyi