Protecting Your Family and Home from the Dangers of Lead
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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If you suspect that there is lead in your home, or that your family has been exposed to lead, there are some steps you can take to ensure their protection:
- Have your children's lead levels measured through a simple blood test. It is best to seek the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional
- Contact a qualified professional to assess the lead content of the paint in your home and/or to assess the risks of serious lead exposure. While home test kits are available, they may not always be accurate. Hiring a professional ensures that the work done is safe, reliable, and effective. See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Lead Information Center for a list of contacts in your area.
You can also protect your family around the home by:
- cleaning up paint chips immediately
- cleaning floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly by using a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead (NEVER mix ammonia and bleach products together since they can form a dangerous gas)
- thoroughly rinsing sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty and dusty areas
- washing children's hands often, especially before meals and bedtimes
- keeping play areas clean
- washing bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly
- keeping children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces
- cleaning or removing shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil
- showering and changing clothes before coming home, if you work with lead on the job, or laundering work clothes separately from the rest of your family's clothes
- making sure that children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and calcium, such as spinach and dairy products, since children with good diets absorb less lead
- repairing damaged surfaces and planting grass to cover soil with high lead levels on an on-going basis
- hiring a certified lead abatement contractor to permanently remove any lead hazards
Next Steps
Contact a qualified product liability attorney to make sure your rights are protected.