How to Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children

Lead poisoning affects an estimated one in 11 children, and is a potentially fatal health risk. Children between six months and six years of age are at greatest risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that parents have their children tested for high lead levels before their first birthday, and more frequently if exposure to lead paint or contaminated soil, dishes or water is likely. Lead poisoning may result in mental retardation, hearing loss, lowered IQ, anemia, intestinal disorders, behavioral symptoms and death. Young children are more likely to be exposed to sources of lead in places where they spend a great deal of time. Therefore, lead poisoning prevention begins at home. Read on to learn how to prevent lead poisoning in children.

Things You'll Need

• Phone book

Instructions

1. Have your soil and water tested by a reputable company to determine if they contain high levels of lead. Many companies perform this service for a reasonable price, and most can be located by looking in your local phone book.

2. Test the paint inside and outside of your home for lead, especially if you live in an older home or notice chipping paint on your walls or windowsills. Lead paint is no longer typically used, but homes built before 1978 may have been painted with a lead-based paint.

3. Serve your children foods rich in calcium and iron, as these minerals can minimize the absorption of lead by the body. A nutritious diet will also work to improve the overall health of your children, and aid in the removal of toxins, including lead, from the body.

4. Avoid foods that have been processed and canned in other countries. Some countries do not follow the same, strict guidelines regarding lead levels. Until uniform guidelines are put into place, or more stringent measures are adopted to test for lead levels in imported food products, eating foods grown locally is the safest option.

5. Be wary of products painted in other countries, especially toys, dishes and glassware. Many of these items are potentially toxic, and place young children at great risk of lead exposure. Keeping current on recalls of children's toys and other products, and discarding recalled items immediately, will greatly reduce your child's unnecessary exposure to lead.