Protect Your Children from Lead
- Check your child's toys by visiting The Consumer Products Safety Commission web site for information on toys that have been recalled because of lead or other hazards.
- Choose age-appropriate toys. Younger children are more likely to place toys in their mouths and expose themselves to lead ingestion. Do not give children vintage toys or use antique furniture in their rooms.
- Exercise caution when purchasing items at a dollar store, open-air market, vending machines, yard sales and thirft stores. Do not buy metal costume jewelry. It may contain lead. Buy only water-based paints and glues for children.
- Vinyl lunch boxes have been found to contain unacceptable levels of lead. Wrap food before placing it in a child's lunch box.
- Older homes may contain lead pipes. Parents should use cold water for drinking or cooking and run the water a few minutes prior to use.
- If your home was built before 1978, it could have lead paint. Have your home tested if you plan to remodel or sell in the near future.