Lead is a highly toxic metal that may cause a range of health problems,
especially in young children. When lead is absorbed into the body,
it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the
kidneys, nerves and blood.
Lead
may also cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures
and in extreme cases, death. Some symptoms of lead poisoning may
include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness and irritability.
Children who are lead poisoned may show no symptoms.
Both
inside and outside the home, deteriorated lead-paint mixes with
household dust and soil and becomes tracked in. Children may become
lead poisoned by:
- Putting their hands or other lead-contaminated objects into
their mouths,
- Eating paint chips found in homes with peeling or flaking lead-based
paint, or
- Playing in lead-contaminated soil
Take a moment to look at the brochure "Protect Your Family
from Lead in Your Home" for additional information (available
in English,
Spanish,
Russian,
Vietnamese,
Somali
and Arabic).
What can you do?
If your home was built before 1978:
- Wipe down flat surfaces, like window sills, with a damp paper
towel and throw away the paper towel,
- Mop smooth floors (using a damp mop) weekly to control dust,
- Take off shoes when entering the house
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove dust,
- If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a "higher efficiency"
collection bag,
- Pick up loose paint chips carefully with a paper towel and discard
in the trash, then wipe the surface clean with a wet paper towel,
- Take precautions to avoid creating lead dust when remodeling,
renovating or maintaining your home,
- Test for lead hazards by a lead professional. (Have the soil
tested too).
For
your child:
- Have your child's blood lead level tested at age 1 and 2. Children
from 3 to 6 years of age should have their blood tested, if they
have not been tested before and:
- They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1950,
- They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1978
with on-going or recent renovations or remodeling
- They have a sibling or playmate who has or did have lead
poisoning
- Frequently wash your child's hands and toys to reduce contact
with dust,
- Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking
- Avoid using home remedies (such as arzacon, greta,
pay-loo-ah, or litargirio) and cosmetics (such as
kohl or alkohl) that contain lead
- Certain candies, such as tamarindo candy jam products
from Mexico, may contain high levels of lead in the wrapper or
stick. Be cautious when providing imported candies to children
- Some tableware, particularly folk terra cotta plates and bowls
from Latin America, may contain high levels of lead that can leach
into food.
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