The studies on the damage that too much lead can cause in children is overwhelming. Lead exposure in young children can lead to irreversible brain damage and loss of IQ. Very young children are extremely susceptible to levels of lead in the blood. Their smaller bodies and developing brains put them at risk.
So how can you reduce your child’s risk of having high levels of lead exposure? Here are some answers.
The number one risk for lead exposure comes from lead paint used in houses before the 1950s. Homes built before 1970 may also contain lead paint. Lead can get into your child’s body through lead dust that escapes to the floor from old windows being opened and closed or through home renovation. If you live in an older home, hire professionals to renovate and make it a habit to mop the floors each day.
Soil is another source of lead for your child. Soil in high traffic areas tends to contain large amounts of lead. Discourage your child from playing in the dirt, have everyone take off their shoes when entering your home and make sure that your child’s hands are washed whenever she comes in from outside.
Your normal drinking water can also be a source of lead, because of lead pipes that may carry the water to your faucet. Water filtering systems may not remove lead. In this case, always run the water in your faucets for a few minutes in the morning to dispel any lead that might have leached into the water from the pipes overnight. Never run hot water for drinking. Hot water tends to leach out more lead than cold water. Use hot water directly from the tap for washing dishes not for drinking.
Other sources of lead risk to your child include lead toys or toys made with lead paint and ceramic pottery.
Studies have shown that iron-deficient children absorb more lead, so make sure your child has a diet rich in iron and talk to your pediatrician about iron supplementation.
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
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