Lead is a very strong poison. This naturally occurring metal is used in everything from construction , toys, house paint  to batteries and can cause serious health problems.  It is very important to find out if your children  are at risk of lead exposure especially if you leave in older home. Unfortunately you cannot see , taste or smell this metal.

What steps can you take to protect your child from lead exposure ?

These tips may help prevent lead exposure in your children

• test your home for lead : If you live in a house built before 1978, talk to your local health department about getting your home tested for lead
• keep your children  away from old windows, old porches and areas with peeling paint. Cover  them with  duct tape until it can be completely removed. If you rent your  house, talk to the land lord about chipping paint
• learn about safety ways to make repairs in your house before you do anything work.  These include sealing off everything until work is done or keeping your child away from everything until they are cleaned
• clean your home regularly  to help reduce dirt
• do not allow your child to play in dirt next to your old home
• teach your child to wash her  hands especially before he  eats.
• wash pacifiers and toys regularly.
• eat healthy . Giving your  child a balanced diet helps her  absorb less lead
• use cold flush tap water for cooking , drinking and mixing formula. Run the water for several minutes before using it in the morning.  Start with cold water for drinking or cooking

Protecting your child from lead is crucial. Exposing children to lead can result in  lead poisoning which may result in health problems such as

• damage to nervous system, kidneys and hearing, speech and language problems
• poor muscle coordination
• decreased bone and muscle growth
• developmental delays
• seizures and unconsciousness