Lead poisoning is a health threat to young children. Even low levels of lead can effect the mental and physical development of infants and children. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and limit intellectual development. Lead poisoning may not create symptoms until well advanced. However, elevated blood lead levels, the first sign of lead poisoning, are measured by a simple blood test.
The primary way for young children to become poisoned is by lead contaminated dust. This dust is common in homes with lead based paint, especially if the paint is deteriorating. Outside soil, contaminated from lead-based paint on a building's exterior or past air pollution from the burning of lead gasoline, also contributes to lead dust problems. The typical hand-to-mouth behavior of young children puts them at great risk.
The good news is that the two major sources of lead in the environment - lead-based paint and leaded gasoline - are no longer available. However, many houses that are used for family child care still have lead-based paint and can put children at risk.
Although the use of lead-based paint decreased in the 1960s and 1970s, lead-based paint was not removed from the market until 1978. Before about 1950, lead-based paint was very common. If your home is older than 1978, you must consider that there is a risk of lead exposure.
1. Keep all painted surfaces in good repair. Lead-based paint creates a risk when it deteriorates and creates dust. Covering over lead-based paint with lead-free paint, paneling, or wallpaper reduces the risk.
2. Practice good housekeeping. Regular cleaning, especially wet-cleaning with an all-purpose detergent, reduces dust on surfaces. Consider getting a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate) filter for maximum dust control.
3. Test painted surfaces for lead. Inexpensive swab-type tests are available at home supply stores and can screen for lead in exposed surfaces. More accurate lead testing can be done by laboratory analysis of paint samples. Certified lead professionals can help you identify potential sources of lead and test painted surfaces using x-ray technology. Contact you local health department or a private environmental testing laboratory for more information.
4. Good nutrition reduces the impact of lead in the body. It also offers many other health benefits. Especially important to reducing lead risk is adequate calcium, found in milk and dairy products. Learn all you can about feeding your children healthy diets.
5. Share information about the risk of lead poisoning with your parents. Many good resources are available through the hotlines listed at the end of this article, through the Internet, and from health departments. Market the fact that you are creating a lead-safe child care environment for young children.
For more information about lead, check the following:
National Lead Information Center of the National Safety Council
National Lead Information Clearinghouse Lead Hotline:
1-800-424-LEAD (1-800-424-5353)
National Safety Council Environmental Health Center Internet Page is an excellent resource and has links to other lead information sources.
Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning has a National Lead Information Hotline:
1-800-LEAD-FYI (1-800-532-3394)
Be sure to request specific information for child care providers, including the excellent resource, "Sesame Street Lead Away" video.