Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint, and 3.8 million homes in the United States have peeling or chipping lead-based paint or high levels of lead in dust.
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Lead is a toxic metal used in a variety of products and materials. When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the central nervous system and vital organs like the brain, kidneys, nerves and blood cells. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, stomachaches, nausea, tiredness and irritability, which may also occur with the flu and some viruses. Lead can also harm children without causing obvious symptoms.
Both inside and outside the home, old, deteriorated lead-containing paint releases lead, which mixes with dust and soil. Children who ingest lead or lead dust by putting their hands or other objects in their mouths, by eating paint chips or by playing in lead-contaminated soil may become poisoned.
What can you do?
1. In your home, if it was built before 1978:
a. Have it checked for lead hazards by a professional (including the soil).
b. Mop smooth floors (using a damp mop) frequently to control dust.
c. Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove dust, preferably using a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a “higher efficiency” collection bag.
d. Take off shoes when entering the house.
e. Pick up loose paint chips carefully then HEPA vacuum.
f. Take precautions to avoid creating lead dust when remodeling, renovating, or maintaining your home.
2. For your child:
- Frequently wash your child’s hands and toys to reduce exposure.
- Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking.
- Avoid using home remedies (such as arzacon, greta or pay-loo-ah) and cosmetics (such as kohl or alkohl) that contain lead.
- Have your child’s blood lead level tested at age one and two. Children from three to six years of age should have their blood tested, if they have not been tested before and:
i. They live in or regularly visit a house built before 1950;
ii. They live in or regularly visit a home built before 1978 with on-going or recent renovations or remodeling; or
iii. They have a sibling or playmate who has or did have lead poisoning.
For More Information
Visit HUD’s website at www.hud.gov/offices/lead for more information about addressing health hazards in homes or to learn if HUD has a Healthy Homes program in your community. From this Web site, you can download a copy of “Help Yourself to A Healthy Home” for more practical steps you can take to make your home a healthy home.
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