Lead in plumbing can contaminate drinking water, and airborne lead from refineries and battery factories can raise lead levels in soil. Imported vinyl miniblinds also carry high levels of lead that breaks down and settles in dust. The Consumer Products Safety Commission has recommended that parents remove these blinds. See the box at left for other tips. Because the symptoms of lead poisoning may be vague, screenings are very important.
Some school districts require that all children be screened.
Ask your doctor about having your child screened. Acute lead poisoning cases may require hospitalization and treatment with medication. With preventive steps and screenings, you can offer your child the best protection against lead poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your child is at high risk and should be screened for high blood lead levels if you can answer yes to any of the following questions. Use of our site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use .