Maggie’s Story: Dealing with Lead

Ways to Keep Lead in Your Home from Affecting Your Family

• Before you rent, contact your state department of the environment or department of health and human services to make sure the apartment or house is certified lead-safe.
• If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.
• Clean up dust and paint chips immediately.
• Clean floors, window frames, windowsills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead. REMEMBER: NEVER MIX AMMONIA AND BLEACH PRODUCTS TOGETHER SINCE THEY CAN FORM A DANGEROUS GAS.
• Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
• Wash children’s hands often, especially before they eat and before nap time and bed time.
• Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly.
• Keep children from contact with windowsills or other painted surfaces.
• Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.
• Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and calcium, such as spinach and dairy products. Children with good diets absorb less lead.