About 1 million children in the U.S. under the age of 6 have elevated lead levels in their blood; lead is considered one of the most significant environmental health threats. Follow these steps to avoid the chance of lead poisoning.

1. Do not heat or cook food in the can it comes in. Also avoid storing food in a can that has been opened, especially if has acidic content such as fruits and fruit juices.
2. Do not wrap food in newspapers, magazines and plastic bags because they may contain lead-based ink.
3. Lead contamination in the water comes from old pipes and solder. When using tap water for drinking or cooking, let it run for 30 seconds or until the water runs cold. Do not drink from the hot water tap. Hot water in the pipes dissolves more lead.
4. Leaded gasoline is now illegal in the U.S., but if you're near a major highway, there may still be lead in your neighborhood's dust. You can control lead dust in your household by wet-mopping regularly.
5. Do not let children play close to major roadways, where “legacy” lead dust may have accumulated.
6. Test the soil in your garden before growing vegetables if you live close to roadways.
7. Do not peel exterior paint that contained lead. Removing lead paint causes harmful dust particles. Call trained professionals to do it for you.
8. Imported pottery and dishes may contain lead. In some imported ceramics heavy lead leaching has caused severe lead poisoning.
9. Certain older PVC miniblinds leach lead when exposed to sunlight and heat. Test these with a home lead test kit (available in most hardware stores), and discard if they contain lead.
10. Old bathtub glazes may contain lead. Don't let your kid drink the bathwater.

It’s a good idea to have your children screened for blood lead levels annually between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. Children's diets should include low-fat foods that will provide at least 10 milligrams a day of iron and 800 milligrams a day of calcium to help decrease susceptibility to lead poisoning.

© 2007 Green Home, Inc.