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Protecting Your Family and Home from the Dangers of Lead

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

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

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Contact a qualified product liability attorney to make sure your rights are protected.

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