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# Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings

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These simple steps can help you save children from environmental hazards around the home:
| 1. Always **store pesticides** and other household chemicals, including chlorine bleach, **out 		  of children's reach** -- preferably in a locked cabinet.                                                                                                    | 2.**Read the Label FIRST!** Pesticide products, household cleaning products, and pet products 		  can be dangerous or ineffective if too much or too little is used.                                                  | 3. Before applying pesticides or other household chemicals, 				  remove children and their toys, as well as pets, from the area. 				  **Keep children and pets away** until the pesticide has dried or as long as is recommended on the 		  label.                                                       |
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| 4. If your use of a pesticide or other household chemical is interrupted 					(perhaps by a phone call), properly **reclose 					the container** and remove it from children’s 					reach. Always use household products in child-resistant packaging. | 5.**Never transfer pesticides 				  to other containers** that children may associate 				  with food or drink(like soda bottles), and never place rodent or 		  insect baits where small children can get to them. | 6.**When applying insect 				  repellents** to children, read all directions first; 				  do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin; do not apply 				  to eyes, mouth, hands, or directly on the face; and use just enough 		  to cover exposed skin or clothing, but do not use under clothing. |
| 7. Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. 				  If you plan to remodel or renovate, **get 				  your home tested**. Don’t try to remove lead 		  paint yourself.                                                                          | 8.**Ask about lead when buying or renting** 					a home. Sellers and landlords must disclose known lead hazards 		  in houses or apartments built before 1978.                                                       | 9.**Get your child tested 				  for lead.** There are no visible symptoms of lead 				  poisoning, and children may suffer behavior or learning problems 		  as a result of exposure to lead hazards.                                                                                                      |
| 10. Wash children’s 				  hands,  toys, and bottles often. Regularly clean 				  floors, window sills, and other surfaces to reduce possible exposure 		  to lead and pesticide residues.                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |

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To order this publication (735-F-03-001) or others, call the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at 1-(800) 490-9198 or fax at 301-604-3408. please be sure to note the document title when ordering through NSCEP.

For more information about lead, and testing your child or home call         the National Lead Information Center at 1-(800) 424-LEAD, or visit         Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil Web page.

##### Questions on Pesticides?

        -  National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)          1-800-858-7378 

##### Resources

        - Poison Prevention
        - Learn About Chemicals Around Your House
        - Protecting Pets
        - National Lead Information Center: 1-(800) 424-LEAD  		  or visit:  Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil Web page

##### The Label is the Law 

**Labels contain important information.**
        - Follow all label instructions and precautions.
        - Keep products in their original containers. 
        - Keep children away from products.
        - Know where to call for help.
        - Explore the components of a pesticide label. 

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