With the recent scare concerning lead paint on toys, parents have been scouring their children’s toy boxes and stores have been pulling recalled toys off of shelves. The danger is a real one, but small compared to the risks from exposure to lead that may already be in the home.
Children who live in older homes with peeling paint, or homes that are being remodeled, are exposed to lead on a daily basis. Children under age 6 are at the greatest risk, since they tend to put their hands and other objects into their mouths.
Lead paint has been banned in the US since 1978, but older homes often have layers of lead paint on the walls and woodwork. If the paint is in good condition, there is no problem, but if the paint is peeled and chipped or begins creating dust, the threat of lead poisoning grows. The child may play with a lead-painted toy a few minutes a day, but may be continually inhaling lead dust that is in the home, or may ingest chipping paint.
Homes with older plumbing may have pipes that have been put together or repaired with lead solder, which will leach into the home’s water supply.
The second largest lead-poisoning source to children is when an adult in the home brings lead dust home from work. People employed in manufacturing or recycling automobile batteries are exposed to lead daily, and most workplaces have their employees tested regularly for lead poisoning, but clothing and shoes may bring lead dust into the home.
Lead accumulates in the nervous system as children grow but the child may not show any obvious symptoms. Low levels of lead can cause a child to have behavior problems, inability to pay attention, learning disabilities, or a drop in IQ level. High levels of lead in the body can cause stomach pain, headaches, anemia, slow growth, muscle weakness, seizures, hair loss, kidney problems and hearing problems. Coma and death are uncommon but possible consequences.
Children who are at risk should have their blood levels tested for lead by their physician during a well-child checkup. If the level is above normal, the doctor can give you information about how to lower it. High levels may be treated with medicine. The doctor should retest the child every few months until the levels return to normal.
A diet high in iron (red meat, iron-fortified cereal and grain products, raisins and prunes) and calcium (milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy green vegetables) will help reduce lead absorption. Vitamin C (oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes and green peppers) will help iron to work more efficiently.
Take steps to reduce your child’s exposure to lead in the environment:

•          Do not use belt sanders, dry sandpaper or scrapers, or propane torches to remove old paint that may contain lead. When remodeling, or removing paint, seal off doors and windows to the room with heavy plastic. Old paint that is not chipping or peeling may be painted over to seal in the lead.

•          If you live in a neighborhood with older homes that are being remodeled, remove shoes at the door to avoid tracking in lead-contaminated soil.

•          Use only cold water for cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula. The hot water leaches the lead out of pipes in a greater amount than cold water.

•          Some ceramic glazes contain lead. Be sure any glazed dinnerware or containers you use to serve food are lead-free. If you’re not sure, don’t use them.

•          Wash toys often. Have children wash their face and hands often, especially before meals.

•          Damp-mop floors and damp-wipe surfaces to remove dust that may be contaminated with lead. Clean carpeting, draperies, and upholstery regularly.

•          People who indulge in hobbies, such as making stained glass windows, that use lead should wash their clothing and hands when they are finished.

By J. E. Davidson