Lead Poisoning Prevention

Preventing lead poisoning before it happens is the best way to keep your family safe.

Lead Hazard Cleaning

In this video, you will learn how to minimize the dangers of lead in your home by using proper cleaning techniques.

  • Wash Hands - Use soap and water to wash hands several times a day especially after children play outside or with animals.
  • Wash Toys, Pacifiers, & Bottles
    • Wash items that your children use regularly, such as pacifiers, bottles, and toys.
    • Do not let children chew on painted toys, windowsills, or other painted surfaces.
  • Soil Exposure
    • Encourage children to play in grassy areas not in bare soil.
    • Teach children to wipe and remove their shoes and wash their hands after playing outdoors.
    • Wipe down pets’ paws after being outside.
    • Place dust mats both inside and outside your home to avoid tracking in dust.
  • Nutrition - Good nutrition can help protect children from the effects of lead exposure. The Michigan WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program provides nutrition education and supplemental food benefits for families that qualify. The program serves pregnant and nursing women and children up to age 5. Click here for more information.
    • Eat a diet high in iron (chicken, steak, fish, peas, eggs), calcium (milk, cheese, yogurt) & vitamin C (tomatoes, strawberries, oranges, potatoes). These foods can help reduce the body’s absorption of lead.
    • Wash food thoroughly with safe water before eating.
    • Do not eat food that has been cooked or stored in cookware or pottery that contain lead.
    • Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Heat up cold water on the stove or in a microwave if hot or warm water is needed. Use water from a safe source to mix baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
  • Run Your Water - Let the water run before using it for drinking or cooking.
    • Use a water filter that is certified to remove lead. Read the directions to learn how to properly install and use the cartridge and when to replace it.
    • Clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator) regularly. Sediment, debris and lead particles can collect in the aerator.

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