Some of the ways you can protect your children
from the risks of lead poisoning in your home are:
1. Have your landlord or superintendent keep all painted surfaces
in good condition;
2. Keep infants and toddlers away from window sills, window
frames, door frames and baseboards which, in housing built before
1978, are often coated with lead paint;
3. Never dry scrape or burn old paint off of areas in your
home. This can release lead dust and tiny lead particles that
can stay in the air, in the carpet and in your home for months;
4. Allow the water to run for at least 60 seconds before drinking
it or using it for a child's formula or food. This will provide
added time to "flush the lead" which may be leeching
into your home's water; and
5. Have your children tested for lead poisoning with your pediatrician
every six months from the time they are six months old until
they reach six years of age. It's a quick and simple blood test
and it is worth it.
Your Legal Rights
If your child or your family member has been exposed to lead-based products such as chipping lead paint, or you have experienced lead poisoning symptoms, you may be eligible to file a claim.
