Are you safe from lead in your home?

Lead poisoning is a problem in our area. It is especially harmful to young children and babies. Lead poisoning is caused by too much lead in the body and is one of the most common environmental health hazards for children. Lead poisoning may have no obvious signs or symptoms, but may cause a range of health issues, from learning and behavior problems, to seizures and brain damage.

You or your child can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust or lead paint chips. Lead can be found:

In peeling paint from older homes, even those built before 1978;

In the soil outside around chipped paint from windows and siding;

Inside the home from dust around chipped paint from older doors and window sills;

In drinking water from older homes with lead pipes;

And even in some consumer products like imported toys, pottery, or older vinyl mini blinds.

The good news is that you can help reduce exposure to lead hazards in your house or even when visiting family and friends who live in older homes.

Wash your children’s hands often, especially before they eat and before nap time and bed time.

Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly.

Keep children from chewing on window sills or other painted surfaces.

Clean or remove shoes before entering your home in order to avoid tracking in lead from soil.

With older plumbing, run tap water for 15 seconds before drinking or for cooking.

Keep your home well maintained, especially roofs, windows, and painted surfaces.

Check with your local health department regarding safe maintenance practices. Some even have programs to help you test your home for lead hazards and lead removal.

And one of the most important steps is to schedule any child 6 months to 6 years of age for a lead test with your doctor or at your local health department.