What can be done to reduce blood lead levels?
• Get the child tested if it is a concern. • Talk to local or state health department about having paint and dust tested if one lives in a house or apartment built before 1978. • Damp-mop floors, damp-mop surfaces and frequently wash children’s hands, pacifiers and toys to reduce exposure to lead. • Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead, and most of the lead comes from the plumbing in your home, not from the local water supply. • Avoid using home remedies (such as arzacon, greta, pay-loo-ah) and cosmetics (such as kohl, alkohl) that contain lead. • Take basic steps to decrease your exposure to lead (for example, by showering and changing clothes after finishing the task) if you remodel buildings built before 1978 or if work or hobbies involve working with lead-based products. Symptoms: • Nausea & Vomiting • Abdominal pain • Tiredness • Muscle Weakness • Irritability. Many people with lea
