Facts about Lead Poisoning

Did you know...

• that lead can cause your child to have learning disabilities, kidney damage, brain damage or speech delays?
• lead poisoning can occur when your child is exposed to lead? Houses built before 1978 may have lead in the original construction materials. Lead may also be found in the soil around your house.
• if your child is on Medicaid, he is supposed to be tested for lead?  Testing should occur at one year and two years of age or at least once before the child turns six years old.
• certain foods, high in iron, vitamin C and calcium, can protect children from lead being absorbed into their bodies?
• fatty foods increase a child’s absorption of lead?
• lead dust may accumulate on small children’s hands?

What you can do...

• If your home was built before 1978: Hire a contractor with HUD training in lead safe work practices to complete any repairs; frequently wash floors and window sills with soap and water; If you are renting, notify your landlord about chipping and flaking paint.
• Ask your physician to test your child for lead.
• Feed these foods to your child: Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, green and yellow vegetables, fruit, low fat milk and other dairy products and beans.
• Limit these foods in your child’s diet: fried foods, lard, chips, bacon, sausage and donuts.
• Watch where your child plays; have your child play on grass or other surfaces, not bare soil.
• Frequently, have children wash their hands with soap and water.
• Follow the above suggestions to keep your child from being poisoned by lead.