Have pregnant women and children sleep elsewhere during renovations to older homes. The majority of hospital admissions as a result of lead poisoning come from dust or paint flakes during home renovation. Move furniture in children's rooms away from areas that may contain lead. The closer a child sleeps to a lead-infected item, the higher the risk. Keep children away from areas where paint is chipping or peeling.
Children are very curious and have been known to eat paint chips.
These chips may contain lead. Eat a balanced diet. Children and pregnant women should ensure their diet includes food filled with iron and calcium. This will help reduce the absorption of lead. Parents who believe that their homes may contain lead should speak with their family doctor to have a lead blood test performed.