Tips to Keep your Home and Family Lead Safe
Although an extremely serious problem in Rhode Island, lead poisoning is entirely preventable.
If you suspect a lead paint hazard at your residence, you or your landlord should take immediate action to reduce your family’s exposure risk .
- Find out how to renovate your home safely.
- If you are renting a residence, and notice paint which is peeling in the interior of your home, notify your landlord, and immediately wet clean any chips and dust.
- There are certain vulnerable areas of your home called “friction areas”, these are usually windows, stair treads, and doors. Even if the paint in these areas isn’t peeling, it can produce lead dust. Make sure to clean these areas weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a lead specific cleaning agent. Make sure to thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads used after cleaning dusty or dirty areas
- Keep children’s play areas clean, making sure to wash pacifiers, toys, stuffed animals, etc. often.
- Wash children’s hands often, especially before eating, nap or bedtime.
- Keep children from chewing or mouthing windowsills, or other painted areas.
- Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to prevent tracking soil in that may contain lead.
- Prepare children’s meals that are nutritious, low fat, and high in calcium and iron. Some examples of these foods are: green leafy vegetables, meats, and dairy products. Children with healthy diets absorb less lead from the environment.
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