Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning

Healthy Diet

A child with a full belly is less likely to absorb ingested lead than a child with an empty belly. Try to give your child 4-6 small meals throughout the day. Make sure to include the following in your child's diet:

Calcium rich foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, and collard greens for example).

Offer your child foods high in iron - lean red meats, chicken, fish, iron-fortified cereals, and dried fruits (raisins, prunes) - and vitamin C - oranges, orange juice, grapefruits, grapefruit juice, tomatoes, tomato juice, and green peppers.

Good Hygiene

Protect your child from lead poisoning by simply making sure their hands, bottle, pacifiers, and toys are clean. If your child may put something in his or her mouth, make sure that it is clean. Teach your child to wash their hands before meals and snacks and after playing outside.

Lead-safe Cleaning

• Wet mop hard floor surfaces with an all purpose cleaner
• Change bucket water frequently to prevent the spread of lead; use at least two buckets one to rinse and one to clean. Dispose of the dirty water safely, possibly down the toilet.
• Regularly keep window frames and mini-blinds free of dust with a moistened rag and all purpose cleaner. Remove any fallen paint chips with a wet rag and all purpose cleaner; spray the dust or paint chips with a mixture of all purpose cleaner and warm water.
• Clean mops and spongers thoroughly after cleaning or use disposable mops, rags, or sponges disposing of them in a sealed plastic bag.
• If possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on carpeted flooring and furniture.
• Remove shoes before you enter the house.
• NEVER use a broom or dry rag to remove dust from surfaces - this will only spread the lead dust throughout your home.

Water tips

Only use the cold water tap to prepare drinks and meals - hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead - and, if you have not used the tap in a few hours, let the water run a few minutes to flush out the old water.

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