What is lead?
Lead is a toxic metal that was used in many products.
Even in small amounts, lead can have harmful effects on
the body, which may lead to lifelong learning and health
problems. Many leaded products have been phased out, but
lead is still found in older homes and buildings, in
certain occupations and hobbies, and some consumer
products, remedies, and foods. Lead poisoning is one of
the most common environmental illnesses in California
but is completely preventable.
How can you prevent lead
poisoning?
 |
Get your child
tested for lead
-
Ask your
child's
doctor
about a
lead
test if
your
child is
between
6 months
to 6
years
old
-
Most of
the
time,
lead
poisoning
has no
symptoms.
So, the
only way
to know
is with
a blood
lead
test.
-
There
are no
known
safe
levels
of lead
|
 |
Well Fed = Less Lead
Certain foods can
help reduce the risk for
lead poisoning.
-
Iron:
Beans,
cereals
with
iron,
lean
meat,
fish,
tofu
-
Calcium:
Milk,
yogurt,
cheese,
dark-green
vegetables,
and
canned
salmon
-
Vitamin
C:
Oranges,
tomatoes,
limes,
bell
peppers,
broccoli,
berries
|
 |
Keep paint in
good repair
-
Don’t
let
paint
start to
chip or
peel in
homes
built
before
1978
-
Use lead
safe
work
practices
for any
repairs
of
painted
surfaces
-
If
the
property
owner
won’t
fix
peeling
paint
hazards,
call
1-888-700-9995
|
 |
Keep your home
dust-free
-
Wet
mop
floors
instead
of dry
sweeping
to stop
the
spread
of dust
- Wipe
window
sills
and
other
surfaces
often
with a
wet
cloth
- Use
a vacuum
that has
a HEPA
filter
or use
an
allergen
filter
bag
|
More Lead Resources for
Families
Nutrition Resources for
Families
