NEW ROCHELLE, NY — During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 21 through 27, the Westchester County Department of Health encourages parents and caregivers to learn how to eliminate hazards at home that can cause lead poisoning in children and to assure their young children are tested for lead exposure.
“We know how lead poisoning is caused and we know how to prevent it, so no child should have to suffer the ill effects of lead poisoning,” said Sherlita Amler, MD, commissioner of health. “If you live in an older home, it is important to keep painted surfaces from cracking and peeling and to consult with the health department if you plan to renovate your home so you can do it safely and protect young children.”
Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. To protect your family, get your home tested. Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection. Make sure your child’s healthcare provider has tested your child for lead exposure.
Here’s what you can do to minimize a child’s exposure to lead:
· Clean up peeling paint and paint chips often, using a wet mop or sponge and an all purpose degreasing cleaner.
· Use a wet mop and a damp dusting cloth to avoid adding lead dust to the air that children will breathe.
· Wash children’s hands frequently, particularly before meals and snacks and after playing outdoors.
· Supervise small children closely to ensure they only put food in their mouths, not paint chips, play jewelry or toys that could contain lead.
· Feed children a well balanced diet high in calcium and iron, which can minimize their exposure to lead. Foods such as cheese, yogurt, beans and dark leafy green vegetables are good sources of calcium and iron.
· Don’t let children to play with imported jewelry, toys, candy or make-up, which can contain lead or lead paint.
· Avoid serving food in pottery if you are unsure about whether there could be lead in the glaze.
Lead in drinking water is rarely a significant source of lead poisoning. However, if you are unsure about the level of lead in your drinking water, use only water from the cold water tap for cooking and drinking or making a baby’s formula. Hot water picks up more lead from pipes and solder. If more than six hours have gone by since a tap was last turned on, run the water until it becomes cooler before using it for cooking or drinking.