How to Lower The Risk That Your Child Getting Lead Poisoning

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By Amy Laine
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Lower The Risk That Your Child Getting Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is preventable, stopping children from gaining exposure and treating problems early on is key. There are several ways to lower the risk that your child will get lead poisoning.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Encourage children to wash hands frequently throughout the day. Hands should be washed when ever child is coming in from playing outside or is about to eat.
Step 2

Evaluate your child's diet. A diet rich in calcium and iron will reduce the amount of lead absorbed into the body.
Step 3

Go through your child toys, especially older toys saved through generations or bought second hand. Do not forget to check play jewelry. If you are in doubt if a toy meets standards, you can find photos and descriptions of recalled toys at http://www.cpsc.gov or call 1-800-638-2772. It is also necessary to wash toys regularly to avoid lead build up.
Step 4

Avoid giving your children sweets from Mexico or other countries that do not follow strict guidelines in regards to lead.
Step 5

Only use lead free containers, cookware, or tableware to store or cook foods. Pay attention to warning that say not recommended for microwaving.
Step 6

Use cold water when getting water from the tap for consumption of any kind. Hot water has been shown to have higher levels of lead. Most lead in water will come from pipes in your house, not from the local water supply. It is a good practice to have water checked for lead levels every ten years, more if living in a home with older plumbing.
Step 7

Household dust is a major source of lead. Floors should be regulating moped and horizontal areas should be dusted at least twice a month.
Step 8

I your work involves lead based products such as bullet making, gun handling, or glass work, it is important to shower and change clothes before coming in contact with children.
Step 9

Before 1978 houses and furnishings were regularly build without regards to lead containment. Talk to your local department about testing paint and dust from your home for lead. Most health departments carry grants that allow them to provide this service for free.
Step 10

When remodeling a house that was build before 1987, children and pregnant women should not live or visit until remodeling is complete. If remodeling to prevent lead exposure see local health office to determine if any grants for such expeses are available in your area. After construction is complete it is necessary to check house for lead before it can be considered habitable.
Step 11

Before giving children home remedies or what is generally called folk medicine check if the product contains lead. Lead has been found in some traditional (folk) medicines used by East Indian, Indian, Middle Eastern, West Asian, and Hispanic cultures. Traditional medicines can contain herbs, minerals, metals, or animal products. For example, some medicine used for colic bought in alternitive medicine providers may contain high levels of lead.
Step 12

Children may have fun playing in dirt piles or mud holes but ongoing exposure can be a potential lead poisoning danger. While on going exposure could be a dangerous in any area, residents in areas with a history of mining have a potential higher risk. Play areas should be covered with grass and sand boxes should be covered when not in use.