CareLink Masthead Winter 2010
  

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Your Child's Health

Home safety: Watch for lead paint in older homes

Older Home

If you live in an older home, you and your children need to be especially careful about lead. Homes built before 1978 could have paint containing lead.

Paintbrush

Lead is toxic to humans. It is particularly harmful to children, and can hurt them even before they are born.

Even low levels in young children can cause hyperactivity, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. It can damage hearing and stunt their growth.

The greatest risk is in older homes being remodeled. But it’s always a good idea to follow these steps:

  • Learn about lead and how it affects children.
  • Maintain (or talk to your landlord about maintaining) painted areas.
  • Use lead-safe techniques and high-quality house paint.
  • Keep children away from lead in your home.
  • Wash children’s hands, pacifiers and toys often to remove lead dust.
  • Give your children healthy foods, which help protect them from lead.
  • Ask your primary care provider if your children should be tested for lead.

Learn more by calling the LeadLine. Call 503-988-4000 in the Portland area or 1-800-368-5060 statewide. You can also find out more on these web sites: www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/leadpaint and www.mchealth.org/lead/prevention.shtml.


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