Here are steps you can take to protect your family from lead:
1. Test your home for lead.
- The most important step is to find and remove or cover the lead in your home as soon as possible.
2. Keep children away from lead paint.
- Wash hands and toys with soap and water.
- Use a wet paper towel or sponge to wipe up lead dust around windows and floors.
3. Give your child healthy foods.
- Look for foods with calcium, iron, and vitamin C. These foods can help keep lead out of the body.
- Feed your child healthy snacks like fresh fruit, cheese, and whole-wheat crackers.
4. Renovate safely.
- Keep children and pregnant women away from the work area.
- If you are hiring workers, make sure they have been trained in lead-safe work practices.
- If you are doing the work yourself, take a training course in lead-safe work practices.
Get Support
Dealing with lead poisoning can be stressful. You may be worried about your child’s health.
Here are some tips to help you cope:
- Make a plan with your doctor and/or social worker. You can work together to find the best treatment for your child. Be sure to ask questions if you don’t understand something.
- Get informed. Sometimes a doctor or nurse is the best source of information. You can also contact the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program in your area.
- You may want to talk to other parents who have children with lead poisoning.
- Share how you are feeling with your family and friends.
- Remember to ask for help and support.