Can Lead Poisoning Be Prevented?
Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead and treating children who have been poisoned by lead. • Lead hazards in a child’s environment must be removed • Public and health care professionals need to be educated about lead poisoning and how to prevent it • Children who are at risk of lead poisoning need to be tested, and, if necessary, treated. What can the public and parents do to reduce blood lead levels? • Ask a doctor to test your child if you are concerned about your child being exposed to lead. • Talk to your state or local health department about testing paint and dust from your home for lead if you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, especially if young children live with you or visit you. • Damp-mop floors, damp-wipe surfaces, and frequently wash a child’s hands, pacifiers, and toys to reduce exposure to lead. • Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and for making baby formula. Hot water
• Know the dangers of lead • Look for signs of chipping or flaking paint • Make sure children put only safe, clean items in their mouths • Serve well-balanced meals—low in fats, high in iron and calcium • Don’t allow children to eat snow or icicles • Use safe interior paints on toys, walls and furniture • Use pottery only for decoration if you are unsure about the glaze • Store food in glass, plastic, or stainless steel containers—not in open cans • Have your water tested • Have children wash their hands before eating • If you work with lead, shower and change before going home and wash your clothes separately • Don’t let children wear imported jewelry that may contain lead To learn more about lead poisoning, click here to visit our Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
