How to Get Rid of the Lead in Your Home

We know about the harm lead can cause, especially in children. We also know about the lead in house paint that was produced prior to the ban in the 1970's. However there are several lesser known sources of lead that pose a threat to out children. Here are some sources of lead that you might not be aware of:

Children's jewelry- Some children's jewelry items contain unsafe levels of lead. The amount of lead in the metallic jewelry items can vary greatly. It's best to avoid the metallic style of kid's jewelry if you aren't certain what materials it is made from.

Drinking fountains- Lead is sometimes found in plumbing materials and can enter tap water through corrosion. Provide kids with bottled water for sports or school to avoid lead consumption.

Soil- Some lead is in the dirt in your yard. To minimize the contamination of lead from soil in your home, kids should take their shoes off by the door and wash their hands when they come inside from playing.

Artificial trees and holiday decoration- I put up a reindeer and sleigh light set this winter; on the instruction sheet was a warning: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the light set. Lead was used in the plastic tubing that surrounded the lights.

My artificial fiber optic tree was the same. Lead and other toxic substances were used to make the tree. If you choose to use these types of ornaments, place them out of children's reach and wash your hands when you handle them.

In addition to avoiding sources of lead, there are ways to prevent lead poisoning:

Iron and calcium help reduce lead absorption. Make sure your kids get enough of these nutrients, which they need anyway. Remember to keep supplements out of the reach of children though, as too much iron can be toxic.

Wet mopping the floor, and washing windowsills, counters, and other surfaces your kids come into contact with can reduce lead dust in the home. Having your ducts and ventilation system periodically cleaned can also cut down on lead dust.

Have your water tested for lead. Your local health department can help you obtain a lead testing kit. Commercial lead testing kits are also available.

If you work in a setting that exposes you to lead (construction, electronics assembly, painting, etc.), change your clothes and wash your hands thoroughly before coming home to avoid bringing additional lead dust home.