Lead can harm anyone who swallow or breaths it. Lead poisoning may occur when excessive amounts accumulate in the human body. It is most likely to enter the body as fumes or dust, when it is easily inhaled, or as contamination on hands or face, where it can be swallowed. Poisoning by mouth may occur if personal hygiene is poor. Lead can be swallowed if food, drinks or tobacco are contaminated. Lead is usually not absorbed through the skin.
To avoid paint and dust if you live in a house before 1950, you can have the paint tested especially if it is peeling, flaking or chipped. Use a wet mop with dishwashing soap to clean floors and woodwork. Wash your hands before eating or fixing food. Do not remove lead paint yourself. Removing lead paint causes dust which can harm people. Stay out of your home while lead paint is being removed. Be sure your home is cleaned after the paint is removed. Children should not play in the dirt around the house.
In the area of foods, never heat or cook food in the can it comes in and avoid store food in a can which has been opened. Lead can be found in pottery and dishes from other countries so do not use dishes you think may have lead. Eat good foods which have plenty of vitamins, especially those with calcium and iron. Avoid fatty foods and make sure regular meals are eaten, since more lead is absorbed on an empty stomach.
It is important to keep drinking water safe. Let the water run for one minute before using it to drink or cook. Do not use warm water for cooking or drinking, start with cold water. Warm water running through pipes breaks down the lead.
Finally, talk with your doctor. Testing is recommended for children 9 months to 4 years of age, and as early as 6 months to 6 years and beyond for high risk children.
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Do not allow children to chew or suck on painted surfaces such as woodwork, porches, old toys, cribs and other old furniture.
Everyone must be responsible for following strict rules and procedures to reduce the risk of lead poisoning. Education and lead awareness programs for children and parents are desperately needed to protect children, since they are more at risk. More information and data must become available to educators and others. Emphasis should be on primary prevention efforts (i.e., elimination of lead hazards before children are poisoned. Federal rules and regulations must be adhere to with state-wide effort and community working together to wipe out the problem of lead poisoning.