Prevent Lead Exposure
Exposure to lead can cause brain and kidney damage. Very high levels of exposure can cause seizures, coma and death.
Nationwide, more than four-hundred-thousand children have elevated blood lead levels. Lead toxicity has been associated with poor school performance and delinquent behavior.
Although the use of lead in paint for houses has been banned, older homes and buildings may have paint containing lead. Lead is still used in metal appliances and putty around window seals. Even plumbing pipes labeled "lead-free" can contain up to 8 percent lead. To protect your child from lead poisoning: Clean up chipping and peeling paint inside and outside your home; Don't let your child chew or suck on anything that has paint on it; Damp mop floors and wipe counters and other surfaces often.
- Never use hot tap water for preparing formula, drinking or cooking and let water run for a minute to clear out the water that may have been sitting in lead-containing pipes
- Make sure your child has a balanced diet with enough calcium and iron to decrease absorption of any lead the child does ingest. Foods high in iron and calcium include: potatoes, fruit, greens, raisins, eggs, milk, cheese and lean meats.
- If you suspect lead exposure or poisoning, ask your child's doctor to do a blood test for lead.
For more ways to protect your child from lead poisoning, check out the CLEAN Living section of CLEANHOUSTON.ORG, the website for CLEAN, Citizens League for Environmental Action Now.