Lead is in the soil around most houses in Cleveland.

• The lead comes from past uses of lead in paint and gasoline.

Lead in bare soil can poison young children.

• Soil gets on children's hands and toys. When children put their fingers and toys in their mouths, they ingest lead.
• Soil can also be tracked into the house on shoes. It can be blown in through open windows and doors. Children then get lead dust on their hands and toys when they play on the floor.

Cover bare soil to protect children.

• Grass, plants, even thick weeds can protect children from contact with lead in soil.
• You can use mulch, wood chips, gravel, top soil, sand, bricks, or other material to cover bare soil.

Give children a safe place to play outdoors.

• A sandbox with clean sand is one way to keep young children away from lead-contaminated soil.

Stop dirt at the door.

• Place a rug at each entry door and wash the rug frequently.
• Remove shoes at the entry door so as to not track dirt inside the house.

Keep floors clean.

• Vacuum carpets frequently.
• Wash floors weekly to clean lead dust.

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

• Wash hands, toys and pacifiers frequently.

Test young children for lead poisoning.

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

For information on lead contamination in gardens see Ohio State University Extension Factsheet <http://ohioline.ag.ohio-state.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1149.html>.