How can I protect my family from lead poisoning?
- Don’t allow children to chew or put their mouth on surfaces that may have been painted with lead-based paint.
- If you think you have lead in your pipes, run water that has been standing in pipes overnight before drinking or cooking with it.
- Wash your child’s hands, face, pacifiers, and toys frequently.
- Clean your house often to get rid of dust and dirt.
- Give your child foods high in iron and calcium (e.g., eggs, spinach, yogurt, milk, etc.) to reduce the amount of lead their bodies take in. Fight lead with a healthy diet.
- Use proper safety measures when renovating or remodeling your house.
- If you work in lead environments, remove shoes when coming indoors so lead dust is not tracked inside. Also, wash work clothes separately from other clothes.
Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home - EPA Guidance
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has helpful resources about how to keep your home safe from lead.