Building Good Habits and Safe Surroundings

Good habits and a clean home will go a long way toward reducing the risk of exposure to lead. Good food can lessen the effects of exposure. As a parent, you have a responsibility to help your children develop good habits. You also have a responsibility to do what you can to provide your children with good nutrition and safe surroundings. Here are guidelines you can follow every day:

• Make sure your children eat at least three meals a day. Less lead is absorbed when children have food in their systems.
• Give your children foods high in iron and calcium, such as milk, cheese, fish, peanut butter, and raisins. When a child does not have enough iron or calcium in his or her body, the body mistakes lead for these nutrients. A diet lacking protein, vitamin C, and zinc may also cause increased blood-lead levels.
• Avoid giving your children fried and fatty foods. These foods allow the body to absorb lead faster. Cut down on fat by baking, broiling, or steaming food.
  • Don't store food or liquid in lead crystal glassware or imported or old pottery.
  • Teach children to wash their hands before they eat or sleep.
  • Make sure your children do not have access to peeling paint and do not chew on painted surfaces such as cribs, playpens, or window ledges.
  • Keep your home clean. At least once a week, wash areas such as hard surface floors, baseboards, and window sills, especially if your home was built before 1978. Use a solution of water and an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead.
  • Wash children's toys, bottles, and pacifiers often, and always wash them after they fall on the floor. Stuffed toys in particular accumulate dust and should be washed often.
  • Encourage your children to play in grassy areas instead of dirt, which sticks to fingers and toys. Also, do not let them eat dirt.
  • Teach your children about the dangers of lead and their role in keeping themselves safe. Use stories, role-playing, and songs to help your children recognize sources of lead and learn prevention behaviors. Explain how good nutrition prevents lead poisoning, and help them choose healthy foods.