Young children (under the age of 6) are most at risk of getting lead poisoning. This is because their bodies are still growing and developing. Their brains are also extra sensitive to the harm lead can cause. Lead poisoning can make it hard for children to learn and can even lower their IQ. Since young kids are always putting things in their mouths, they are more likely to get lead from toys, objects, and other things they touch. We can protect children from lead poisoning by taking some simple steps. 

Keep your Home Clean and Dust Free (especially in homes built before 1978)

• Clean your home once a week using a clean, wet or damp cloth, sponge or mop to minimize dust.
• Use a wet mop to clean floors and hard surfaces (like porches) to minimize dust.
• Wipe down hard surfaces (like countertops, windowsills, and door jambs) with a white cloth.
• Do not use a household vacuum or broom to clean up paint chips or dust. This could spread the lead dust into the air and into your home. Pick up paint chips by hand or use a damp paper towel.

Look Out for Peeling and Chipping Paint (especially in homes built before 1978)

• Lead paint that is peeling and chipping can look like alligator skin.
• Put a temporary barrier over peeling and chipping paint (duct tape, contact paper metal, cardboard, etc.). Clean these areas often. 
• Move furniture to block feeling paint so your child cannot touch it. 
• If there is a lot of peeling and chipping paint in your child's bedroom, change their bedroom if possible. 

Stay Away from Older Windows (especially in homes built before 1978)

• Older windows may contain lead paint. When windows are opened and closed, the rubbing and create lead dust.
• If a window is opened or closed, make sure to take a wet cloth and clean the window well, sill, and floor by the window.
• Keep the lower part of the window close, if possible. If the window well is in bad condition, keep the lower part of the window closed and only open the upper part. This will prevent your children from putting their hands in the window well, because that is where lead dust collects. It also keeps lead dust from blowing back into your house.
• Keep your child's toys, bed, and eating surfaces away from older windows that are opened and closed.

Stay Away from Bare Soil (especially in homes built before 1978)

Eat Foods that are High in Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin C

• Children who eat diets high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C absorb less lead.
• Iron: Lean beef, tuna, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, dried beans and peas, WIC cereals, spinach, peanut butter, whole wheat bread, brown rice, etc.
• Calcium: Milk, cheese, broccoli, dried beans and peas, low fat yogurt, etc.
• Vitamin C: Green leafy vegetables, potatoes, kiwi, watermelon, strawberries, tomatoes, tomato sauce, etc.

Wash Hands and Toys Often

• Use soap and water to wash children's hands, especially after playing outside and before eating.
• Hand sanitizer is great at getting rid of germs, but not so great at getting rid of lead. If you are away from home and running water, use hand wipes to clean your child's hands.
• Wash items that your child uses often (like pacifiers, bottles, and toys) to minimize exposure to lead dust.
• Do not let your child chew on painted toys.

Do not Take Home Lead

• Adults who work in places with lead can bring it home on their hair, clothes and shoes. These jobs include construction workers, firing range instructors, soldering of electrical circuits, plumbing, ceramic and plastic manufacturers, and foundry operations.
• Clean or remove work clothes and shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking lead from work sites or hobbies.
• Shower after participating in activities where you could have been exposed to lead.
• Wash work clothes separately from other family members' clothes.

Get your Child Tested for Lead Poisoning! 
Every child should be screen for lead poisoning:

• Once at the age of 1
• Again at the age of 2
• Once between the ages of 3 and 6 if your child has never been tested or if they have new risk factors.

For more information about how to prevent lead poisoning, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).