First With Kids: Get the Lead Out to Prevent Poisoning Your Child

BUT THE FOOD CAN BE HARMFUL TO ANIMALS IF CONSUMED IN LARGE AMOUNTS. OCTOBER IS LEAD POISONING PREVENTION MONTH. AS PARENTS -- IT'S áNERVE- WRACKING TO THINK ABOUT HOW EXPOSURE CAN HARM OUR KIDS' HEALTH. SO IN TONIGHT'S FIRST WITH KIDS -- DOCTOR LEWIS FIRST SHOWS US HOW WE CAN áLIMIT... OUR CHILDREN'S CONTACT WITH LEAD. One of the most leading questions I get nowadays is about lead and whether children can still get lead poisoning so since October is Lead Poisoning Prevention Month, let me get the lead out and provide some information on this subject. Lead poisoning though preventable is still a problem and affects almost 4 million households and 1 million children in the US. It can result in irreversible learning disabilities, decreased intelligence, abdominal pain and other health problems that can hurt the brain, kidneys and nervous system and slow down growth and development. If you want to reduce your child's exposure here are a few suggestions: First, the Depts of Health in Vermont and New York recommend that all children get tested for lead by age one and again at two or even earlier if they live in an old house especially one built before 1978. Make sure your child does not chew on painted windowsills, cribs or playpens that may contain lead paint. In fact, move the crib away from the windowsills where paint chips can fall. Ordinary dust and dirt contain lead so make sure your children wash their hands when they come inside from playing If you work in construction, demolition, or painting, don't bring the worksite that may have lead in it home with you. Change your clothes before you go home or as soon as you are in the house. If you're worried that your water pipes contain lead, run the water for 30 to 60 If you have further concerns about lead poisoning and prevention, as well as what

One of the most leading questions I get nowadays is about lead and whether children can still get lead poisoning. Since October is Lead Poisoning Prevention Month, let me get the lead out and provide some information on this subject.Lead poisoning, though preventable, is still a problem and affects almost 4 million households and 1 million children in the U.S. It can result in irreversible learning disabilities, decreased intelligence, abdominal pain and other health problems that can hurt the brain, kidneys and nervous system and slow down growth and development.If you want to reduce your child’s exposure to lead here are a few suggestions:· The Departments of Health in Vermont and New York recommend that all children get tested for lead by age 1 and again at 2 – or even earlier if they live in an old house, especially one built before 1978.· Make sure your child does not chew on painted windowsills, cribs or playpens that may contain lead paint. In fact, move the crib away from the windowsills where paint chips can fall.· Ordinary dust and dirt contain lead so make sure your children wash their hands when they come inside from playing· If you work in construction, demolition or painting, don’t bring the worksite that may have lead in it home with you. Change your clothes before you go home or as soon as you are in the house.· If you’re worried that your water pipes contain lead, run the water for 30 to 60 seconds before drinking to clear the pipes.If you have further concerns about lead poisoning and prevention, as well as what to do if your child’s lead level is elevated, contact the Departments of Health in Vermont or New York or call the state help lines—that’s Vermont 211 and NY 211 and they can give you further information.Hopefully, I’ve led you in the right direction when it comes to reducing the chances that your child will experience lead poisoning.Lewis First, MD, is Chief of Pediatrics at The University of Vermont Children's Hospital of Vermont Children’s Hospital and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine. You can also catch "First with Kids" weekly on WOKO 98.9FM and NBC5.

BURLINGTON, Vt. —

Lead poisoning, though preventable, is still a problem and affects almost 4 million households and 1 million children in the U.S. It can result in irreversible learning disabilities, decreased intelligence, abdominal pain and other health problems that can hurt the brain, kidneys and nervous system and slow down growth and development.

If you want to reduce your child’s exposure to lead here are a few suggestions:

· The Departments of Health in Vermont and New York recommend that all children get tested for lead by age 1 and again at 2 – or even earlier if they live in an old house, especially one built before 1978.

· Make sure your child does not chew on painted windowsills, cribs or playpens that may contain lead paint. In fact, move the crib away from the windowsills where paint chips can fall.

· Ordinary dust and dirt contain lead so make sure your children wash their hands when they come inside from playing

· If you work in construction, demolition or painting, don’t bring the worksite that may have lead in it home with you. Change your clothes before you go home or as soon as you are in the house.

· If you’re worried that your water pipes contain lead, run the water for 30 to 60 seconds before drinking to clear the pipes.

If you have further concerns about lead poisoning and prevention, as well as what to do if your child’s lead level is elevated, contact the Departments of Health in Vermont or New York or call the state help lines—that’s Vermont 211 and NY 211 and they can give you further information.

Hopefully, I’ve led you in the right direction when it comes to reducing the chances that your child will experience lead poisoning.

Lewis First, MD, is Chief of Pediatrics at The University of Vermont Children's Hospital of Vermont Children’s Hospital and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine. You can also catch "First with Kids" weekly on WOKO 98.9FM and NBC5.

First With Kids: Get the Lead Out to Prevent Poisoning Your Child

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