Get the Lead Out
Have you or your child been exposed to lead? You can take steps to respond and get lead out of your home.
These five steps are recommended by the CDC:
Make a plan with your doctor.
Work together with your doctor to find the best treatment for your child. Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
You may need to:
• Go back for a second lead test.
• Test your child for learning and development problems. This is called a “developmental assessment.”
Find the lead source.
Most children get lead poisoning from lead paint in homes built before 1978. It is important to find and fix lead in your home as soon as possible. Have your home inspected by a licensed inspector. The lead source could also be at another place where the child spends a lot of time, such as a caregiver or child care center.
Clean up lead dust.
When old paint cracks and peels, it makes lead dust. Children get lead poisoning from swallowing dust on their hands and toys. Wet cleaning regularly can cut the lead dust in your home.
Give your child healthy foods.
Feed your child healthy foods that are high in calcium, iron and vitamin C. These foods can help keep lead out of the body.