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Letter to the editor

How to avoid kids' lead poisoning

By The Times Staff
Published August 19, 2007

After recent toy recalls sparked by hazardous lead in the toys' paint, parents are hearing a lot about lead poisoning. Here are some basics:

What is lead?

It's a highly toxic, naturally occurring metal that makes products pliable and durable.

Is lead still used today?

It's still used for industrial purposes and for building things such as highways and bridges.

Who can get lead poisoning?

Anyone can. But children between 9 months and 6 years old have the highest risk.

What can happen?

Lead poisoning can harm virtually every system in the body, so an affected child may show a wide range of symptoms. They can include fatigue; headache; pain in the hands, feet, stomach, muscles or joints; developmental delays; speech and language problems; aggression; and hyperactivity. Extremely high lead levels can be fatal.

What causes it?

The most common hazard for children is lead-based paint in older homes. Homes built before 1978 could have lead-based paint, and those built before 1950 are even more likely to have it.

Are there other sources of lead exposure?

They include soil, parents' jobs or hobbies, imported pottery and dishes, home remedies and water.

How does lead get into the body?

It can be eaten or breathed. Children get lead into their bodies by breathing contaminated dust or by putting hands, toys or other objects into their mouths.

What should I do if I have lead in my body?

Health care officials prescribe a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables and food rich in iron, calcium, zinc and vitamins C and D to flush lead from the system. Children with highly toxic levels undergo chelation therapy, a series of intravenous infusions.

How do I test my kids and their toys for lead?

Your kids: A doctor or pediatrician can help. Some take hair samples. County health departments do finger sticks. Some doctors draw blood.

Toys: Home improvement stores like Lowe's sell lead testing kits with swabs for about $4.

How do I pay for my child's lead test?

Tests are paid for by several insurance plans. If your child is on Medicaid, a lead test is required, so ask your child's provider about test results.

How can I get rid of the lead-based paint in my home?

Remove or replace painted surfaces. Never use a dry method like sanding or scraping - this creates lead-contaminated dust.

What else can I do in my home to prevent lead poisoning?

Clean up paint chips and dust with a wet mop or wet cloth. Cover chipped paint and holes with contact paper, duct tape or cardboard.

How do I find out what items have been recalled?

The state has a Lead Alert Network. Its Web address: www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/lead/The_Lead_Alert_Network.htm.

Who can I call about this?

Contact the National Lead Information Center. Call 1-800-424-LEAD from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. The Web site is www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm.

Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, and Florida, Hillsborough and Pinellas County Health Departments

[Last modified August 18, 2007, 23:53:08]