LEAD POISONING PREVENTION
DID YOU KNOW?
Many homes in
Maine built before 1978 may
contain lead paint.
Each year, over 125
Maine children are identified with
high levels of lead.
Most lead poisoned children don't
look or act sick, but over time,
even small amounts of lead can
hurt a child's rapidly growing brain.
Symptoms can be vague so you might
not even suspect your child has high
levels of lead in their bodies.
Get your child tested:
Since children rarely display symptoms of lead poisoning, a blood lead test is the only way to know for sure if a child has been exposed to lead.
A little finger stick by your doctor is all that is needed.
Symptoms of lead poisoning are:
Learning disabilities
Behavioral problems
Hearing damage
Language or speech delays
Lower intelligence
Lead dust is the most common way children get lead into their bodies.
Lead dust collects on surfaces where children put their hands and play with toys.
Children often put their hands and toys into their mouths.
This makes it very easy for lead dust to get into and damage their growing bodies.
Lead dust can come from:
Opening and closing old, painted windows and doors
Peeling or chipping paint
Repair projects that disturb old paint
Worn painted floors and stairs
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT LEAD POISONING?
Wash children's hands before eating and before sleeping.
Wash children's toys and pacifiers.
Wash the wood around windows and doors.
Wash floors once a week. Vacuum - don't sweep, it moves lead dust around.
If you need to make repairs or do maintenance use lead safe methods or hire a contractor certified in lead safe practices.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information or to see if you qualify for lead dust testing contact Terry Sherman at 207-373-6995 or e-mail tsherman@midcoasthealth.com
