LEAD LEVELS | Lowering the risk

LEAD LEVELS | Lowering the risk

Dozens of residents took advantage of Sunday’s free blood-lead screenings at B.L. Elementary School in Sebring in light of recent findings pointing to high levels of lead and copper in drinking water from the Sebring village distribution system. Many people also took home educational materials, including steps on reducing children’s blood-lead levels. Seven key recommendations:

Use baby gates or closed doors to keep youngsters from areas in the home that are being remodeled, and place children on washable rugs or blankets.

Wash children’s toys, pacifiers and hands frequently. Wash hands especially before eating, after playing outdoors and using the restroom.

Use soapy water to clean and wet rags to dust, and separate rinse water while mopping floors.

Feed youngsters a diet consisting of milk, meat, beans, cereal, kale, spinach and cheese, all of which are high in iron and calcium. Doing so will decrease the amount of lead being absorbed in the body.

Those who come in contact with lead via a job or hobby should remove clothing and wash their hair and body before touching their children.

Remove shoes while entering the residence.

Those who are renovating or remodeling a home or child-care facility built before 1978 should not allow their youngsters to come in contact with dust, paint chips and other debris because lead paint likely had been used originally. Disturbing the paint can lead to lead poisoning.

Source: Ohio Department of Health