Even tiny amounts of lead can poison an infant. If your home was built before 1978, you could have a problem. Lead reduces memory, intelligence, ability to concentrate, and hearing. Damage to your baby’s developing systems due to lead poisoning cannot be cured, only prevented. Lead paint becomes a problem when it chips or turns to dust. It becomes dust when doors or windows rub while moving, when people walk over a painted floor, during remodeling, or as outdoor paint weathers. When your baby crawls, then puts her fingers in her mouth, she may be eating dust that contains lead. If your baby spends time in any place built before 1978, ask your doctor, clinic or Public Health Nurse about a blood test for your baby to look for lead. Look at last month’s cleaning tips. For advice and help in dealing with lead in your home, call your Public Health office or call (800) 424-LEAD or check out this web site http://www.epa.gov/lead. Repairs can create lead dust. Find out how repairs can be made so your baby is not exposed to lead dust when fixing walls, windows, plumbing or electrical lines.

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