~LEAD POISONING DANGERS~

According to the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, lead poisoning is the number one environmental hazard that threatens children in the US. With all of the toy recalls due to lead paint, this is certainly a concern. The largest factor in lead poisoning is still home related. Working in Real Estate, I am certainly familiar with this issue. Anyone buying a home that was built prior to the year 1978 must sign a lead based paint addendum and decide if they wish to elect to have the home tested for lead based paint. This is due to the fact that prior to 1978 lead based paint was used in homes.

Lead poisoning is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and children under the age 6. It can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. The effects range from learning and behavioral problems to speech delay and hearing loss. So now that we are all sufficiently terrified here are steps we can take as parents and care givers.

*Have your children tested- The coalition recommends doing so each year in children 1-6.
*Cook with healthy foods- Foods high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C help reduce the effects from lead.
*Wash little hands often- Before eating and sleeping wash children's hands thoroughly.
*Wash toys often- especially those on the floor.
*Lead free housing- inquire as to when a house was built and have it inspected if built prior to 1978. Using a Realtor when you purchase a home can help with such matters.
*Remove any potential lead hazards from your home.
*Clean your home frequently- especially after any renovation work done on homes built prior to 1978.
*If your children are of the age to chew on toys (or everything for that matter) be extra cautious about their toys. Check the cpsc website (see the previous blog on protecting your children) to get information on toy recalls. According to the coalition if the toys were manufactured in India or China you may want to use caution.

Unfortunately this is the day in which we live and are raising our children. Hopefully this information can help. For more information you can goto leadsafe.org Pass It Along!!