1. Check the Paint in Older Homes
Any home built before 1980 may have lead-based paint on the walls, which poses a risk of poisoning. You can test your home for lead content with an over-the-counter product such as Lead Check or First Alert. They are not as reliable as a professional inspector, but they are easy to use and available in many hardware stores for about $10 to $15. In particular, look for paint that is chipping or peeling. Flakes that fall off the walls should be vacuumed up with a vacuum fitted with an HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which is available anywhere that stocks vacuum supplies.
2. Test Your Water
Lead can filter into your water through pipes. Older pipes contain a significant portion of lead in them and even newer pipes may use lead solder to keep them together. Brass fittings on faucets may contain lead as well, especially if they are found in an older home. Local water such as that found in nearby wells or springs may contain lead that has leached in from the nearby soil. Generally speaking, levels of lead in your water should be less than 15 micrograms per liter or 15 parts per billion. You can contact your local water supplier or health services and ask them to test your water for lead. If you are worried about lead contamination in the meantime, run your tap water cold and heat it separately. Cold water doesn't draw as much lead from surrounding pipes.
3. Test Nearby Soil
Dirt and soil clings to fingers and hands, on toys, and in things that children put in their mouths. Over time, soil absorbed in this manner can cause poisoning if it holds a high amount of lead. Soil in urban areas usually contains about 200 to 500 parts per million, while country soil contains significantly less. Soil with over 1000 parts per million is considered hazardous. You can test the soil around your home by calling your local health inspector or by using home soil-testing kits such as Lead Check. If you are concerned about high amounts of lead in your soil, you can counter it by planting grass, by paving over the soil or by laying down several inches of pebbles or wood chips.
4. Get a Blood Test
Doctors can perform a simple blood test to determine the amount of lead in a child's system. You can do this when the child is between six months and one year old and then again when the child is two years old. Generally speaking, if the amount of lead in your child's blood is at or above 10 micrograms per deciliter, you may need to remove lead from your environment or take the child somewhere with less lead in the atmosphere. If it's above 25 micrograms per deciliter, the child may need more formal treatment and should be moved out of his environment immediately.
