National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Tips

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is this week (October 23-29) so it's a great time to brush up on lead awareness. Lead is a dangerous issue. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that if your child is exposed to even low levels of lead it can lead to many problems, such as learning disabilities, decreased intelligence and speech, language, and behavioral problems, which can affect children for a lifetime. "Lead poisoning can have life-altering health effects, especially on our children. But it is entirely preventable if we take the right steps to protect our children in all the places where they live, learn and play," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. "National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week gives us the opportunity to strengthen our awareness and prevention efforts and ensure parents have the tools they need to protect their children against lead exposure every day of the year." Main sources of lead: The EPA says that major sources of lead exposure among children include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings. Although lead is common in our environment, you can prevent lead poisoning. The EPA suggests the following...

• Get your home tested for lead. Have your home inspected if you live in a home built before 1978.
• Get your child tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead.
• Get the facts. Visit Lead Free Kids or call 1-800-424-LEAD.

More lead safety tips: Stay away from lead in toys: The issue of lead in toys has cleared up some in recent years, but not all toys are perfectly safe yet.

• Double check toys to be sure they haven't been recalled.
• Toss out chipped, broken or overly ragged toys.
• Choosing eco-friendly toys can help you avoid lead.
• Stay clear of generic toys (off brand). Although brand names don't ensure lead-free, brand name toys are less likely to contain lead. Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website to see age appropriate, safe toys.

Watch your child: The reason young children are more susceptible to lead poisoning is because they put everything in their mouth. Keep an eye on your child and discourage him from putting stuff in his mouth. Eat healthy: A diet rich in iron and calcium makes you less susceptible to lead absorption. You can also use a basic water filter to reduce lead in drinking water. If you can’t afford a filter run the water for a few minutes, which results in less lead in your glass. Also, avoid children's food items that may contain lead.