Lead Paint in Children - scary scary
Posted by
Lauren EllermanDecember 15, 2007 2:54 PMWe hear about toys from China made with lead paint causing harm to our children. More frequently, children poisoned by lead swallow or ingest it by eating paint chips. Now, at first glance, I could not understand how paint chips or peeling paint could be purposefully consumed by a child - but it happens and happens frequently! Cribs near windowsills, or small children within arms reach of chipped paint - if they place everything in their mouths, paint chips are accessible.
If your home was built prior to 1976, chances are very high that lead paint exists in the home. Here are a few quick ways to prevent your child from being exposed to lead:
1. Have the home tested - before you buy or rent.
2. Examine walls and windows for chipped, peeling paint. If you know you have lead, have the paint either removed or covered by a professional.
3. Keep children out during the repair process - as dust from lead paint can also be ingested by lungs.
4. Call your local health department and city/county government. Many localities have lead paint abatement programs that may pay to remove the lead on your behalf.
5. Have your child's blood drawn and tested for lead before you move - as a baseline. Then, if it changes have the tests repeated.
6. Monitor your children - place cribs and play pens in the middle of the room - and watch what they put in their mouths.
While not all lead poisoning is preventable, you can certainly do a great deal to prevent it..
What happens if it is too late?
Have the blood tests done, follow physician advice, and if levels are 10 units or higher -call an experienced attorney as your child may have lifelong problems.