Your Family At Home

As parents, we spare no effort to protect our kids. We hold their hands as they cross the street. We watch what foods they eat, what shows they watch and who they play with. So, who would imagine that danger lurks in some of the most benign places in our homes? Recent headlines detailing the menacing amounts of lead found in our kids’ toys now have many parents wondering if they have something else to worry about.

Lead is a neurotoxic metallic element that, when ingested through either the lungs or the stomach, can accumulate in the body with consistent exposure. According to the California Poison Control System (calpoison.org), kids are much more susceptible to lead poisoning because young children absorb 50% of a lead ingestion, while adults absorb only 10%.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that “approximately 310,000 U.S. children, ages 1-5, have blood lead levels greater than 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, the level at which CDC recommends public health actions be initiated.”

Where is it lurking?
While the main source of exposure comes from homes that have deteriorated and have lead-based paint on the walls – an estimated 24 million American homes are contaminated – the danger for lead lurks in every household. Certain plastic, food and even water can contain harmful traces of lead that will make families sick.

Common symptoms of lead exposure in kids can range from what looks like a normal flu virus – stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea – to more severe signs, such as constipation, anemia, lowered IQ, sleeplessness and learning problems.

And now…the tips:
What can parents do to ensure the health and safety of their children? Consider these 5 very important tips for avoiding lead poisoning, based on a recent study by Consumer Reports:

>> Damp-mopping all floors and surfaces. This includes washing down toys, pacifiers and sticky, little hands. Also store toys and clothing up and off the floor in a clean, dry spot. And since some lunch boxes are known to have lead, be sure to wrap any food that your children bring to school. Avoid home remedies and, according to the CDC, “use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking and for making baby formula. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead.” And since “most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house,” run water through your faucet for at least 60 seconds before use.

>> Do your homework. Comb your home for potential hazards and remove them. Not sure what you’re looking for? Check out recalls.org for items that have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you’re an avid antique collector or if your children play with vintage toys, these items may pose a risk for lead. Tuck them away until your child is older. Toss the toys with chipped paint or damaged parts. Check china and glassware for lead content.

>> Be a choosy shopper. Bargains are great, but some of those unique finds at garage sales and dollar stores may not be such a good deal after all. Be especially selective when buying any toy, jewelry piece or craft that a child would be tempted to put in her mouth. Also, if you have any hobbies – painting or working with stained glass or automobiles – research the materials you use for their safety record. Finally, check out the American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org) for a list of age-appropriate toys on their website.

>> Look for healthy alternatives. With the recent rash of tainted products from China, it’s a good idea to turn your trained consumer eye elsewhere. There are some safer substitutes. Be warned: There have been incidents of products from other countries containing traces of lead as well. For example, avoid candies from Mexico. Consumer Reports suggests that “board and picture books, unpainted wooden toys, balls…crayons and washable, stuffed animals” are a good place to start. Also, keep children from playing in the dirt. When possible, provide them with a clean sandbox instead.

>> Be proactive. If you are worried that you or someone in your family has been exposed to lead poisoning, especially if you live in a home that was built before 1978 when lead-based paints were not regulated, get tested! It’s as simple as placing a quick call to your family doctor. Symptoms are not always obvious, but in most cases, lead poisoning can be determined with a simple blood test.
   
The National Lead Information Center can provide you with a list of trained, qualified professionals in your area who will test your home for the presence of lead.

Kerri S. Mabee is a freelance writer based in Temecula and a frequent contributor to Inland Empire Family Magazine.


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Sources of lead exposure in children:

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