What can I do to protect my family from lead poisoning?
- If you rent an apartment or house that was built before 1978, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
- Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly with water and an all-purpose cleaner.
- Wash your child’s hands often especially before eating, after playing outside, and before bedtime.
- Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly.
- Keep children from chewing window sills and other painted surfaces or eating soil or paint chips.
- Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
- You can temporarily reduce lead hazards by repairing damaged painted surfaces and planting grass to cover soil with high lead levels.
- Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead problems--someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly.
Is diet associated with lead poisoning?
Yes, healthy diet helps protect against lead poisoning. Make sure your child eats food high in iron, calcium, and
vitamin C. These can keep lead from being absorbed and getting into bones and blood. Foods high in iron include lean
meat, turkey, chicken, dry beans and peas, broccoli, and raisins. Foods high in calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt,
broccoli, and collard and turnip greens. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, potatoes, and
tomatoes.
What can I do if I work with lead?
Avoid bringing lead dust home with you on your body, clothes or vehicle. Shower and change before you come home, and
wash your clothes separately from your family's clothes. Follow all occupational safety guidelines for cleaning
and storing work clothes and equipment.
Can I just paint over existing lead-based paint?
Repairing damaged painted surfaces can temporarily reduce your risk, but it is not a permanent solution. The paint
will continue to flake and chip. Never remove lead paint yourself or use a belt sander, propane torch, heat gun,
dry scraper, or dry sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead. However, if you plan to remove it yourself,
you should attend the Lead Safe Work Practices class.
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