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Recent toy recalls have highlighted the dangers of lead paint. For children 6 and under mild lead poisoning can cause problems such as learning disabilities, ADHD, and in severe cases mental retardation. Lead hazards in the home are the main threat to children when it comes to lead poisoning. While peeling paint is an obvious hazard lead dust is also a culprit. Friction from painted windows and doors creates lead dust that can be accidentally ingested by children. This invisible dust spreads around the house, including on toys and other possessions, that end up in the child's mouth. It's important to identify and remedy any potential lead hazards in your home or apartment if you have children 6 and under living with you.
Steps
- Test his/her blood. Children 6 and under should have their lead levels checked at the doctor's office via a blood test. There are other steps you should take to make your house lead safe, but it's important to have your child get a yearly test to be on the safe side.
- Assess lead hazards in your home. You can have your home tested for lead, but OTC tests aren't reliable and professional assessments can cost a couple hundred bucks. Lead paint was not completely banned in the US until 1978 so if your house or apartment was built before then there is the possibility you have lead paint in your home. Lead hazards include chipping and peeling paint, as well as windows and doors that stick when opening and closing.
- Get the lead out if lead is present. If you have potential lead hazards in your home, contact your local Department of Health and Housing Authority for more information. Laws vary by state as to who can perform lead abatement work. Some states require that a licensed lead abatement worker do the work, unless you are a homeowner performing work on your own home. If you are a renter it is likely the responsibility of your landlord to have the work done. For detailed information on how to do the work yourself (if applicable) see: http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/healthyhomes/lead.cfm
Tips
- Children should always wash their hands before they eat. This helps reduce the risk of ingestion of lead dust.
- Take your shoes off at the door before entering your home or apartment. This helps to reduce tracking lead dust into the house from outside sources.
- Vacuuming helps to reduce lead dust hazards, but only if you have a HEPA filter. Otherwise there is a chance the bag will leek and just spread the problem around. Be careful when disposing of the bag.
- Isolate your children from problem areas or rooms until you can have work done to correct the hazard.
- Do not do any lead abatement work or cleaning if you are pregnant or nursing. Like most things you can pass this on to your child in utero or breast milk.
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Sources and Citations
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