• Be especially careful around potential lead hazards. Don't renovate, remodel, or spend time in areas where such work is being done if you suspect that lead hazards exist. A pregnant woman can pass lead to her unborn fetus;
• Consider relocating if remodeling or renovation work is in progress;
• Stay informed and educated about lead hazards. New sources of lead exposure are found every year! Check our "What's New" section for information about current FDA warnings and consumer alerts, and our Learn Where Lead Hides page;
• Click here to download a brochure on protecting your baby from lead poisoning.

• The single most important step you can take is to make sure to have your child screened for lead. Children should be tested annually beginning at age one, or beginning at age six months if you suspect lead hazards exist . Blood lead levels can be determined by a simple finger prick test, which is administered to children ages six and under at the Buncombe County Health Department ((828)-250-5016) & Henderson County Health Department ((828)-692-4223) free of charge, with no appointment necessary;

• Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, and especially for preparing baby formula. Hot water leaches lead from plumbing fixtures more readily than cold water. It's also a good idea to let the water run for 30-60 seconds if the faucet hasn't been used for a significant period of time;
• New mothers can pass lead to breastfeeding children through milk. Continue to be aware and minimize your exposure to lead hazards;
• If you or your spouse are employed in a profession that is a high risk for lead poisoning, such as auto or boat repair or some manufacturing positions, make sure to change clothes and wash up before returning home so that you don't pass lead on to your children;
• When your baby begins to crawl, have your child screened for lead and keep an eye out for lead hazards. Mobile babies have different exposure risks than new babies;

• Educate yourself on potential lead hazards in the consumer marketplace. Be a savvy shopper! Click here to learn where lead hides;
• A healthy diet rich in iron and calcium and low in fatty foods is an effective tool for lead poisoning prevention. Foods to emphasize in the diet include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified breads;
• Wash children's hands often. It's also a good idea to wash your pets often-animal fur can carry lead dust-and to avoid tracking in dust on your shoes;
• Learn about the symptoms of lead poisoning. Children can have lead poisoning and not look or act sick. Some children may get sick to their stomachs and feel tired or crabby, or have symptoms that mimic the flu. Developmental disabilities resulting from lead exposure have also been reported. A blood lead test is the only way to know for sure what your child's blood lead level is. Often, lead poisoning has no symptoms.

• If you suspect a lead hazard is present in your home, call the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (828-251-6104) for a home inspection. This service is provided free of charge in homes where children under six reside. We also offer kits to test for lead in soil, dust and drinking water. Call (828-251-6104) to request lead testing kits;
• If lead is present in the home, there are many inexpensive temporary measures you can take to minimize risk. Damp-mop or wipe any windowsills, floors, or other areas where paint is peeling or flaking. Don't let your children play in suspicious areas. Be careful -- normal vacuuming or dusting may just spread around the dust. Special vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filtration system are generally the most effective way to clean lead-contaminated areas. Call the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (828-251-6104) to learn more easy ways to mitigate risk or to borrow a HEPA vacuum;
• Stay informed and educated about lead hazards. New sources of lead exposure are found every year! Check our "What's New" section for information about current FDA warnings and consumer alerts;
• See our "Links" section to visit other lead-related websites and for more information.

Who to call to work on your pre-1978 home

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Clearance Testing

Renovating your older home?  Have (or will soon have) young children?
Let us check for lead dust when you are done your work!

We will do a “clearance test” to assure everything is clean and your family and pets are safe!
Call Lead Poisoning Prevention Program for more information.

828-251-6104   or   Leadprevention@yahoo.com

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