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Kids Safety Bulletin
Lead Dangers
by Don C. Keenan
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Lead paint can be very hazardous for children. The fact that lead paint is often hard to identify makes it even more dangerous. While some experts disagree as to how many children are exposed to dangerous levels of lead, consider the following estimates:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control in 2004, an estimated 2.2
percent of America’s children had high levels of dangerous lead in
their systems.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control in 2004, an estimated 2.2
percent of America’s children had high levels of dangerous lead in
their systems.
Sources of lead in children have been traced to interior paint, soil around the home, household dust, drinking water, paint on old or recalled toys, and paint on furniture. While lead in interior paint has been restricted, homes built before 1978 may still contain lead. Follow these tips to protect your children:
1. Screen your child regularly – A routine lead level test costs approximately $25 and is noninvasive. It is recommended that the test be done every year for the first three years of a child’s life and then every five years thereafter. Changes in personality, mood swings, and difficulty learning can be signs of lead poisoning. Physical ailments such as nausea and head aches can also be symptoms.
2. If you live in an older home, have it tested for lead paint – Don’t try to test yourself, as home tests can be extremely unreliable.
3. Be aware of vinyl mini blinds – vinyl window blinds can contain lead. Over time, vinyl deteriorates from exposure to sunlight and heat and lead dust forms. This dust can be dangerous to children.
4. Be aware of paint on toys and playgrounds – Pay attention to toy recalls. Discard any toy recalled for lead paint. If your child plays on an older playground with metal equipment and the paint is chipping, notify the park director. Playground equipment with lead paint should be replaced.
Don Keenan, founder of the Keenan’s Kids Foundation, has published a book on child safety titled, 365 Ways to Keep Kids Safe, which is available at www.balloonpress.com or at www.amazon.com . All proceeds benefit the Keenan’s Kids Foundation.
This article originally published on March 18, 2008.
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