| 1. SORT TOYS |
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Check www.recalls.gov to see if any new or used toys you are using have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. |
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“Sort and toss!” Discard toys with chipped paint, deteriorated plastic or other
broken/damaged parts. When in doubt, throw the toy away. |
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Avoid vintage toys and antique furniture that may have been painted with older
lead‐based paint. If the item is a keepsake or collectable, put it away until your
child is older or display it out of their reach. |
| 2. CLEAN UP |
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To avoid lead exposure from sources in the home, keep floors and other areas
clean of dust and debris. Wash children’s hands and playthings often. |
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Store toys off the floor in a clean place. Wash items that fall on the floor. |
| 3. THINK ABOUT FOOD |
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Feed children a diet rich in iron and calcium. Children with good diets absorb
less lead. |
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Avoid folk remedies, some of which may contain lead. |
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Serve and store food in lead‐free containers, such as glass, stainless steal or food grade plastic. |
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Wrap food that goes in a child’s vinyl lunch box because some have been found
to contain lead. |
| 4. BUY SMART |
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Be cautious buying items at discount/dollar stores, street fairs, vending
machines, as well as thrift or yard sales. If you have doubts about a toy, check it
out at www.recalls.gov and see if it has been recalled. |
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Buy age‐appropriate toys for children. For example, children age 2 and younger
are most at risk for putting things into their mouths. The American Academy of
Pediatrics has a list of age‐appropriate toys on its website www.aap.org/. |
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Do not buy trinket jewelry – especially cheap jewelry – for young children. Many
trinket jewelry items have been recalled because they contain lead. In addition
they can be a choking hazard, making it an inappropriate choice for a young
child. |
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Buy only non‐toxic arts and craft items. Lead has been banned in children’s
paints but artist’s paints and ceramic glazes can contain lead and other toxic
heavy metals. Look for water‐based paints and glues. |
| 5. FIND SUBSTITUTES |
|
Avoid bringing playthings with troubled track records into your home by finding
safe alternatives. Board and pictures books, unpainted wood toys, balls, nontoxic
paints, crayons and washable stuffed animals are good choices. |
|
Because most toys recently recalled for containing lead were made in foreign
countries, some parents are seeking toys made in the U.S. This can be a
challenge, as many toys are imported. Newly passed legislation should
strengthen the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ability to monitor
consumer products aimed at children and increase lead testing standards. |
| 6. LEAD TESTS |
|
Even children who appear healthy may have high levels of lead. A simple blood
test by your health care professional can detect lead levels in children. Children
should have their blood checked at ages 1, 2 and 3. For additional information
about blood lead tests call the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance at 1‐877‐LEAD‐411
and hit the prompt for the Douglas County Health Department (#82). |
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Trained professionals can test for lead in your home using a variety of approved
methods. A list of these professionals can be found at the National Lead
Information Center (800‐424‐LEAD), local resources can be found through the
Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance at 1‐877‐LEAD‐411. |
| 7. LEARN MORE |
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For more tips and hints on helping your family/child care “Live Safely with Lead”
call the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance at 1‐877‐LEAD‐411 and hit the prompt for UNL Extension (#85). Free resources are available. |
|
1-877-LEAD-411
(1-877-532-3411) |
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