Get the Lead Out Children are particularly vulnerable to lead
poisoning. Follow these guidelines to help keep kids safe. -
Avoid direct contact with soil if you live near a lead polluter,
in an urban area or near a highway. Touching soil with bare
hands and getting it into the mouth can be hazardous. - Keep
kids on grassy areas or pavement when they play outside, and
avoid playing in the dirt. Wash hands as soon as you get home. -
Save food and snacks for indoors, after you've washed up. Lead
lingers in soil and dust, and can get ingested when kids put
their hands in their mouths. - Take shoes off at the door to
avoid tracking contaminated dust or soil into the house. -
Vacuum carpets frequently -- a HEPA vacuum cleaner is best. Also
use a damp rag to clean windowsills, surfaces and moldings. A
damp mop is the best way to clean up lead dust particles from
hard floors. - Use gloves when you're gardening, and if you want
to grow food, have the soil tested for heavy metals first.
Alternatively, dig out the area