Lead poisoning is still a readily apparent danger across the United States, as Consumer Reports shows us in a new article. The agency has also provided a few valuable tips that parents can follow to limit their children’s potential exposure to lead.
Safety starts with understanding the danger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 2.6% of kids between one and five have potentially elevated levels of lead in their blood, equating to 535,000 kids across the country in that age range.
There are, however, some things you can do to protect your own child. For one thing, you might invest in a water filter. Homes that contain lead pipes increase the danger of lead poisoning, but installing a water filter can make sure that the water your family drinks is safe.
Consumers with homes built prior to 1978 are also at risk, particularly during those times when the residence undergoes some type of a renovation. Such work typically kicks lead contaminants into the air in the form of dust and paint, and these can work their way into the lungs of a child.
If you’re planning such a remodel, make sure the contractor you’ve hired understands lead regulations and is able to protect your home from danger. Such parties must adhere to the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule from the EPA.
Finally, purchase a lead testing kit to see what kind of contamination might be present.