Families
What is lead?
Lead is a toxic metal that was used in many products. Even in small amounts, lead can have harmful effects on the body, which may lead to lifelong learning and health problems. Many leaded products have been phased out, but lead is still found in older homes and buildings, in certain occupations and hobbies, and some consumer products, remedies, and foods. Lead poisoning is one of the most common environmental illnesses in California but is completely preventable.
How can you prevent lead poisoning?
Get your child tested for lead
- Ask your child's doctor about a lead test if your child is between 6 months to 6 years old
- Most of the time, lead poisoning has no symptoms. So, the only way to know is with a blood lead test.
- There are no known safe levels of lead
Well Fed = Less Lead
Certain foods can help reduce the risk for lead poisoning.
- Iron: Beans, cereals with iron, lean meat, fish, tofu
- Calcium: Milk, yogurt, cheese, dark-green vegetables, and canned salmon
- Vitamin C: Oranges, tomatoes, limes, bell peppers, broccoli, berries
Keep paint in good repair
- Don’t let paint start to chip or peel in homes built before 1978
- Use lead safe work practices for any repairs of painted surfaces
- If the property owner won’t fix peeling paint hazards, call 1-888-700-9995
Keep your home dust-free
- Wet mop floors instead of dry sweeping to stop the spread of dust
- Wipe window sills and other surfaces often with a wet cloth
- Use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter or use an allergen filter bag