The main source of lead exposure for children is lead paint, but
lead can be found in other items. Below are less common sources of lead
exposure, what the risks may be if exposed, and what you can do to minimize your
risk.
|
Lead
Exposure |
Risk
What to Do |
|
Drinking Water
|
Risk:
Lead may be present in old lead pipes, in copper pipes with lead
solder, salvaged brass or in older fixtures with lead. |
|
|
What to Do:
If the water from a faucet has not been used in more than
2 hours, let the water run for a minute to get fresher water.
Only use cold water to make an infant’s
formula. Be sure to run the water in the tap for a minute first.
For more information on lead in drinking water, visit the Washington
State Department of Health's Drinking Water Program. |
|
Imported Candy
|
Risk:
Candy that contains chili powder and tamarind made in other countries
often contains lead. Tamarind paste may also contain lead. |
|
|
What to Do:
There is no practical way to know which candy is safe. It is
best to avoid all candy from Mexico with tamarind or chili powder at
this time.
Tamarind paste from Southeast Asia may
also contain lead. It is best to avoid buying or cooking with tamarind
paste at this time. |
|
Imported Pottery
|
Risk:
Traditional pottery from Mexico and other countries frequently contains
lead in the glaze. |
|
|
What to Do:
Avoid storing food or cooking in traditional pottery from
Mexico, even if it is labeled "safe for food use". |
|
Mini-blinds
|
Risk:
Old and imported mini-blinds often contained lead. Sunlight can cause
the blinds to break down and release lead dust. |
|
|
What to Do:
Don’t use imported vinyl mini-blinds in a home with young
children. New mini-blinds that are made in the United States do not
contain lead.
Fabric curtains or shades are a safe
alternative to mini-blinds. Remember to protect children from curtain
cords, which can choke or suffocate young children. |
|
Traditional Remedies
|
Risk:
Many of these products contain high amounts of lead. |
|
|
What to Do:
Avoid using azarcon, greta, paylooah, kohl, and other
traditional remedies and cosmetics. They contain lead and will make
children or animals very sick.
Lead In Home Remedies (PDF)
Health Education Resource Exchange at The Washington State Department of
Health |
|
Soil
|
Risk:
Leaded gasoline, old pesticides and industrial exhaust may contaminate
soil. Exterior lead-based paint may produce paint chips in the soil.
Sandblasting old paint may make lead dust or paint chips that release
lead in the soil.
|
|
|
What
to Do:
Have soil samples tested by a certified laboratory,
especially soil from area where children play.
Do not let children play near
the walls of the house or garage or on bare soil. Cover bare soil with
grass, plants, gravel or wood chips to decrease contact. Have children
play in grassy areas or a sandbox that can be covered.
Wash children’s hands
frequently, especially after playing outdoors and before they eat meals.
Use a doormat and have people
remove their shoes at the doorway.
Use raised beds with new soil
to grow garden crops and wash all produce before cooking or eating.
|
|
Jewelry and Keys |
Risk:
Inexpensive jewelry, especially from vending machines, may contain lead.
Home and auto keys frequently contain lead. |
|
|
What to Do:
Never let children put jewelry or metal keys in their mouths.
|
