How to protect your child from lead at home

Lead is a metal that’s found in some older homes, water pipes, soil and other everyday items.

Even small amounts can harm a child’s brain, growth and learning. 

The good news? You can lower lead risks at home and protect your child with timely testing.

How to keep kids away from lead

Lead used to be all around us, before we knew its effect on health. Several laws have banned adding lead to things like paint, gas, pipes and other products.

But lead still exists in older homes and neighborhoods. Take these steps to help keep your kids safe.

1. Get your home tested. Was your home built before 1978? If so, it may contain lead-based paint. Contact your local health department about getting it tested for lead. If you rent, ask your landlord about past lead inspections or repairs.
    
2. Fix peeling or chipping paint. Hire a certified lead professional to repair damaged paint safely. Do not sand or scrape paint yourself. Cover peeling paint with duct tape or contact paper until repairs are complete.
    
3. Dust often. Lead can spread in dust. Clean your floors and windowsills often. Use a wet mop or rag to catch dust. And wash your child’s hands and toys regularly.

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4. Watch for lead in water. Run tap water for a few minutes before using it. Use cold tap water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula.
    
5. Watch where your child plays. Soil near older homes may contain lead. Stop kids from playing in dirt and wash their hands often. Keep doormats outside your home. And take your shoes off at the door to avoid tracking dirt in the house.
    
6. Eat a healthy diet. Nutrients in food like calcium, iron and vitamin C can protect against lead poisoning. Good sources include:
   • Dairy, like milk, cheese and yogurt
   • Lean red meat, fish and chicken
   • Iron-fortified cereals
   • Dried fruits like raisins and prunes
   • Leafy greens like spinach and collards
   • Fresh fruits and vegetables, like oranges, tomatoes and bell peppers

Even with prevention, testing is still important.

When and why to get your child screened

Lead enters the blood stream quickly. It can harm a child’s brain and organs. Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, including:

• Behavior issues
• Learning delays
• Slowed growth and development
• Hearing and speech problems
• Attention problems

You may not notice signs of lead poisoning right away. But a simple blood test can check your child’s blood lead levels. Testing helps find problems early, before symptoms appear.

Children on Medicaid must be tested at 12 months and 24 months. Your doctor may test your child earlier if you live in a high-risk area. Children ages 2 to 6 years old need testing if they never received one. Ask your child’s doctor about lead testing or possible exposure.

See our sources

Protect your family from sources of lead: Environmental Protection Agency

Lead poisoning: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Lead testing guidelines: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention