Most parents recognize the importance of serving their children healthy meals and snacks and keeping their homes tidy.
But in families whose children may have been exposed to lead, a bowl of oranges and the right vacuum cleaner might make a big difference in the lifelong health of their kids.
Of course, preventing any lead exposure is best. But oftentimes, residents of older homes are unaware that their children are being exposed to the hazard.
Lead paint was banned in 1978 but many homes built before that still contain lead paint; when it chips and turns into lead dust it can unknowingly be ingested. That can cause serious health and developmental issues in young children that may last a lifetime.
Lead poisoning awareness and creating healthy homes is the mission of the Hennepin County Lead Removal Program. Working in connection with the Minnesota Department of Health, they provide information and resources for home lead testing. They also test and identify children who may have been exposed to lead.
That’s where a nutritious diet and basic home cleanliness comes in, to deal with potential long-term health effects that accompany lead exposure or lead poisoning.
Duzong Yang, Lead Healthy Homes Educator with the Minnesota Department of Health, said that a healthy diet that is rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C is especially important for children found to have high levels of lead.
“These basic vitamins and minerals will help prevent lead from being absorbed into their blood and bones,” Yang explained.
Foods that are rich in iron include red meat, fish, chicken and spinach; options rich in calcium, include milk, yogurt, cheese, green, leafy vegetables, and foods containing higher amounts of vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.
“Children with empty stomachs may absorb more lead than children with fuller stomachs. We really have to help our children eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between meals.”
Keeping a clean home can also lower the risk of lead exposure in the home; fine lead dust often accumulates on window sills and floors. Children can get that dust on their hands, which they will then put in their mouths.
“Doing things like washing your child’s hands, face and toys regularly as well learning how to properly clean up lead dust in the home using the wet washing method can be very effective,” Yang said.
“Using a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter) vacuum cleaner is also helpful,” she added. “If anyone in the household works with lead or has hobbies that work with lead, they should be washing their clothes separately from others and should be doing an extra rinse cycle.”
Yang points out that spaces beyond a child’s residence can also be hazardous.
“Children can be put at risk for developing health problems in their own home, at a daycare center, or a grandparent’s place,” she said.
The only way to confirm if a child has been exposed to the dangers of lead is with a blood test. Minnesota health guidelines recommend that all children be tested at 12 months and 24 months. If they haven’t had a test by the time they’re age three, or if there’s a concern about lead exposure, parents can reach out to their doctor or health care provider.
For more information on healthy eating and reducing lead exposure in the home, the Minnesota Department of Health provides fact sheets in many languages on their website here .
For additional information about lead poisoning prevention or testing your child or older home for lead, or to learn more about a Hennepin County grant to replace old windows, go here .
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