Lead in dust can poison young children.

• Lead dust gets on children's hands and toys when they play on the floor.
• Lead gets in their bodies when children put their fingers and toys in their mouths.
• Lead dust can be tracked into the house on shoes.
• Lead dust can be blown into the house through open windows and doors.

Keep window sills and wells clean.

• Wash window sills and wells weekly.
• Use a detergent solution. Use disposable rags or paper towels.
• For easier cleaning, cover rough surfaces with contact paper.
• Open windows from the top, if possible.

Keep floors clean.

• Vacuum carpets weekly.
• Wash floors weekly.

Stop dirt at the door.

• Place a rug at each entry door and wash the rugs frequently.
• Remove shoes at the entry door to keep lead dust out.

Keep children from eating dirt and dust that may contain lead.

• Wash hands, toys, bottles and pacifiers frequently.

Good nutrition helps protect kids from lead.

• Serve 4-6 small meals to children each day.
• Include foods high in iron – lean meat and cereal
• Include foods high in calcium – milk, yogurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables
• Include foods high in vitamin C – oranges, tomatoes, orange juice

Test young children for lead poisoning.

• Test children's blood-lead levels at ages 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Cover loose paint or block access

• Cover with contact paper or duct tape.
• Put furniture in front of loose paint on walls to keep children away.
• Learn about safe ways to repaint.
• If renting, talk to your landlord about repairs or contact Cleveland Tenants Organization at (216) 432-0609.

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