See your doctor to test your children's blood level.

• Children between 6 months and 6 years old should be screened for lead poisoning once a year. There is no safe blood lead level.

Eliminate dust that may contain lead - Clean Right!

• Wash children’s hands frequently, especially before meals.
• Use two buckets when cleaning – one for soap and another for rinsing.
• Use a damp mop to clean floors.
• Wipe toys, furnishings, windowsills and other surfaces that children may touch with a damp cloth frequently.
• Thoroughly rinse all surfaces, sponges, and mops after cleaning.
• Wash stuffed animals regularly.
• Wash pacifiers and bottles when they fall on the floor.
• Vacuum carpets with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter at least twice a week.
• Have people take off shoes at the house entrance. Use a doormat, and clean it frequently.
• Throw away window coverings made of vinyl.
• Keep children (unborn, too) away from any major house repairs.
• Do not touch flaking paint; be sure it is not tracked through the house.

Drink clean water.

• Run tap water for 1 minute before drinking or using for cooking.
• Test your tap water and install a water filter if necessary (carbon filters remove lead effectively).
• Use cold water for cooking as hot water may contain lead from pipes.
• Do not use unfiltered or untested water for baby’s formula. Boiling increases the amount of lead in water

Cook healthy foods.

• Feed your children healthy foods, such as eggs, red meats, beans, spinach, broccoli, raisins, and dairy products. A healthy diet helps the body take in less lead.
• Do not use pottery or cans to store food and beverages.
• Do not use china or ceramic dishes unless they have been certified lead-free.

Watch out for other sources of lead.

• Avoid gardening within three feet of your home’s foundation if built before 1978.
• Limit your use of scented candles and incense, which may leave black marks containing lead. Candles with stiff, metallic wicks can release lead into the air.
• Properly recycle computer screens, TV sets, electronic games, and plastic toys.

START WITH THIS LIST (It is not designed to be all-inclusive).

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