Preventing Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning prevention is better than treatment because you cannot reverse the damage that lead poisoning has on your body. Dr. Larry Jones, from the St. Louis Children''s Hospital thinks that, "Lead poisoning is preventable, yet extremely common. There must be more we can all do to protect our children from exposure." By realizing sources of lead that could be endangering children, steps should be taken to protect any further lead exposure. Steps you can take to help prevent lead poisoning from occurring, include keeping children''s nails cut short and using good hygiene, like keeping your hands clean especially when eating.

Keeping young children''s toys and belongings clean, especially since young children will chew on things or suck on their fingers can help keep lead out of their body. If you rent a property you should notify your landlord of any peeling or chipping paint. Until the problem is taken care of the paint chips should be cleaned up immediately. Wiping your shoes before entering the house can prevent any soil containing lead or dust from being tracked through. Surfaces, like the floors, window frames and sills, and other counter areas should be continually cleaned.

To permanently remove any lead hazards from your home you must hire a lead abatement contractor. This professional service will remove, seal, or enclose a lead-based paint. Simply painting over the lead hazard will not suffice. Improper removal of lead can increase the hazard by spreading it around the house even more, so it is important to hire someone with special training in correcting lead problems.

Checking for lead is performed through a simple blood test. Currently, approximately two million children in the U.S. suffer from lead poisoning. Blood tests should be administered for children who are six months to one year old and for family members that suspect a high level of lead exposure.

Repeat blood testing may be necessary, as a blood test reflects only the last 90 days exposure. In many locations, your local health department will provide blood lead tests for free.

Lead Exposure Breaking News

"Popular Chinese-Made Toy Contains Lead"

Last week the largest toymaker in the world agreed to pay a $12 million settlement to 39 U.S. states for shipping Chinese made toys containing unsafe amounts of lead.

Discovery of Lead Tainted Toys

T...

» Read More

"New Jersey Turf Lead Exposure"

An environmental watchdog group in New Jersey recently issued a warning regarding excessive amounts of lead in artificial turf.

The warning has reportedly been issued to some of the largest manufacturers and...

» Read More

"Toys "R" Us Recall of 27,000 "Imaginarium" Cases"

Toys "R" Us, Inc. has recalled some 27,000 "Imaginarium" brand wooden coloring cases because of excessive lead in the ink on the outer packaging and in some of the black watercolor » Read More

Online Lawyer Source

Lawyers & Legal News Near You

Need Legal Help?

Start Here for a Free Case Review!

Lead Exposure

Find a Lawyer in Your State