Lead Poisoning (cont.)
Who is at risk for lead poisoning?
- Children under the age of 6 years because they are
growing so rapidly and because they tend to put their hands or other objects
into their mouths.
- Children from all social and economic levels can be
affected by lead poisoning, although children living at or below the poverty
line who live in older housing are at greatest risk.
- Children of some racial and ethnic groups living in older
housing are disproportionately affected by lead. For example, 22% of
black children and 13% of Mexican-American children living in
housing built before 1946 have elevated blood lead levels compared
with 6% of white children living in comparable types of housing.
Can lead poisoning be prevented?
Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The key is stopping children
from coming into contact with lead and treating children who have been
poisoned by lead.
- Lead hazards in a child's environment must be removed
- Public and health care professionals need to be
educated about lead poisoning and how to prevent it
- Children who are at risk of lead poisoning need to be tested,
and, if necessary, treated.
What can the public and parents do to reduce blood lead levels?
- Ask a doctor to test your child if you are concerned
about your child being exposed to lead.
- Talk to your state or local health department about
testing paint and dust from your home for lead if you live in a house or
apartment built before 1978, especially if young children live with you or
visit you.
- Damp-mop floors, damp-wipe surfaces, and frequently
wash a child's hands, pacifiers, and toys to reduce exposure to lead.
- Use only cold water from the tap for drinking,
cooking, and for making baby formula. Hot water is more likely to contain
higher levels of lead, and most of the lead in household water usually comes
from the plumbing in your house, not from the local water supply.
- Avoid using home remedies (such as arzacon, greta,
pay-loo-ah) and cosmetics (such as kohl, alkohl) that contain lead.
- Take basic steps to decrease your exposure to lead (for example,
by showering and changing clothes after finishing the task) if you
remodel buildings built before 1978 or if your work or hobbies
involve working with lead-based products.
Next: What is the role of the Center for Disease Control in preventing lead poisoning? »
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