Huntington Beach, CA, August 14th, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that lead poisoning is 100% preventable. Sadly, each year in California and throughout the nation, children are still being diagnosed with elevated lead (Pb) blood levels.
To help protect them from the many lead exposure risks that still exist in some homes and neighborhoods, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has published a list of simple steps parents can take to help safeguard their children. The CDPH recommendations include:
- Wash the child’s hands and face frequently, especially before eating.
- Wash toys, countertops and windowsills, and wet mop floors weekly with an all-purpose detergent.
- Don’t let children play in areas where bare soil is exposed.
- Take off shoes or wipe them on a mat before entering the house. This will help prevent lead dust and soil from getting into the house.
- Vacuum carpets frequently to reduce household dust, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
- Clean up paint chips and peeling paint safely.
- Keep furniture away from damaged paint. Pay special attention to keeping cribs, beds, highchairs and playpens away from damaged paint.
- Avoid giving children imported candy, chapulines or snacks containing chili or tamarind.
- Feed children regular meals with a diet high in calcium, iron and vitamin C.
- Allow cold water to run for a few minutes in the morning before using it for drinking, cooking or mixing formula in case there may be lead in the household pipes. Use only cold water from the tap for drinking or in food preparation. If water needs to be heated, draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Avoid using handmade, older, imported dishes or crystal for food or drink preparation, storage or serving, unless one is sure they do not contain lead.
- Avoid using traditional remedies or cosmetics that contain lead.
- Avoid imported foods that come in cans with wide seams.
- Change out of work clothes before entering the house or being in contact with family members. If one works with lead at their job or hobby, take a shower at the workplace, if possible. Otherwise, shower and remove clothing immediately upon returning home. Handle clothing carefully and wash separately.
- When moving into a home, ask the owner about any problems with lead and know the age of the building.
- Before remodeling, ask a trained professional to test the paint in the home.
“These CDPH tips are important because they address many of the most common sources, and ways, children can be exposed to lead,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “People in California that are concerned about possible lead hazards in, or around, their homes can turn to LA Testing for rapid and affordable environmental testing services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits. Testing is the only way to know for sure if there is lead in dust, soil, water, paint or from other sources.”
To learn more about environmental lead testing, please visit www.LATesting.com, email email@example.com or call (800) 755-1794. To access lead or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: : AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.