Childhood Lead

Lead is a naturally occurring metal in our environment.

Lead can be found in:

• Paint found in homes built before 1978
• Imported consumer products such as cosmetics, spices, cultural home remedies, pottery, and toys
• Take-home lead from hobbies and occupations
• Water pumped through leaded pipes
• Contaminated soil and air

Children are exposed to lead by swallowing or inhaling it.

Lead affects the brain and nervous system. In children, this can result in:

• Lowered intelligence
• Hyperactivity
• Attention deficits
• Developmental problems
• Decreased hearing

• Wash your child’s hands frequently before eating, after playing outside or on the floor, and before sleeping.
• Wash toys, bottles, pacifiers and other objects that children handle and put in their mouths
• Leave shoes at the entrance to your home.
• Keep your child away from bare soil.
• Feed your child healthy foods high in iron and calcium.
• Store foods and liquids in lead-free containers.
• Clean floors and windowsills using a damp mop or sponge and detergent.
• Know if your home has lead-based paint before doing renovations or remodeling.
• Use lead-safe work practices or hire a Certified Renovator if your home was built before 1978.
• Use only cold tap water to prepare formula, for drinking and cooking.
• Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking.
• Wash work clothes separately if a job uses lead.

Assume that your home has lead-based paint if it was built before 1978. If you are not sure, hire a Lead Evaluation Contractor.

What should I do if I want to have lead-based paint removed from my house?

• Don't remove lead-based paint until you have reviewed these Lead Safe Work Practices
• Hire a Lead Abatement Contractor
• Hire a Certified Renovator