The pediatrician called after my son's 1 year apt to say he had found lead in his blood, "a four". We got a water test kit, hepafilter and mopped so far. I'd like to hear from other moms, or dads, about thier experiance to get some perpective and ideas.
The water the land lady downstairs tested at her sink came back with lead, but less than 1 part per billion. We got a hepefilter. We washed all the drapes, vacumed the apolstry and wipped down the corners and trim. We found lead in dust around bathroom tiles and regouted where they were coming loose. The green cleaner who enhanced my cleaning efforts before the lead issue quit (because her back is not good to focus on floors) A few plasticy yoys with scuffed paint tested negative. So far...
Give some thought to whether you use any hand-me-downs that might be the source. FOr instance does he chew on his crib that you inherited? Nover dealt with this, but just a thought.
wow, where to start... first of all, four is a 'cautious' number, not a dangerous number... its just something to keep your eye on. check your childs toys, some may have been painted with lead based paint. was your home build earlier than 1960? any rennovations you may have done may have caused dust from lead based paint. check to see what your son plays with at daycare/preschool/babysitters house... just keep an eye on it. have him tested again in about 6 months. i say all this from experience... both my daughters tested a SEVEN when we lived in an apartment. turns out it was built it the 40s when lead based paint was still available. now, after nonexposure for 3 years, they have safe lead blood levels. good luck!
S.,
All the items you used to clean should be thrown away. DO NOT VACUUM DUST if you think it may have lead in it. I only comes out the back of the cleaner, and spreads it everywhere. If your home is older than 1978 you should get a company to come in and find out exactly where the lead is...paint on door frames, window sills, walls, varnish on wood floors etc. If you have any peeling paint anywhere, hire a professional to clean it up.
Remove you child from the home while it's done. It's rare for your son to get lead from drinking tap water, but have it tested.
The night before you take your water sample, flush the system in your home by running the water at several locations for at least 2 minutes. The first thing in the morning, before you turn on any water take the sample in several locations. Your local water authority, (WSSC) in DC Area can test it for you. Call ahead of time, and see if they will pay the cost.
If your home is newer, and your child goes to daycare, the house or center should be tested.
A blood lead level of 10 is alarming. Get your child's blood tested in a couple of months to make sure it's not getting elevated. If it goes over 10 he will have to go through a painful chelation process to remove the lead.
If you have any more questions or concerns send a personal email.
While you are waiting for profesional testers, you can also buy lead test kits at Home Depot or Lowes. I found mine in the paint department. I would check the Consumer Reports website for recommendations on which test kits to buy to test different kinds of things, that is where I got my info. Test all the paint in your house, also test your son's favorite toys, things he chews on, especially if you have any old, hand-me-down toys or family heirloom-type toys. I live in a house built in 1950's, but have had no trouble with lead levels for my son, who is now 5, so it might not be your home. Good luck!
Others have said this, but I can confirm that lead paint was used and available in the US until 1978.....Whereas in Europe it was banned in 1880s, soo very very sad isn't it. Have your home tested.....Any lead level isn't good, especially if you want to get pregnant.
Wash his hands before eating, toys that hit the ground etc. Check his favorite toys, by looking at recal lists there are tons of plastic toys with lead on them thanks to us not banning and testing for lead on imported toys.
Hang in there, it could have been a lot worse....And now you know before there are any huge problems!
Hi, S.. I don't know if this is a problem for you, but in researching lead and bathtubs, I found out that many ceramic tubs contain high lead levels that are particularly dangerous to small children, since they are more likely to put their fingers in their mouths, chew on tub toys, or drink bathwater. You might want to do a lead test on your tub just in case. Lowe's carries the tests for about $5.
Also, when was your home built? If it was before 1950, you might need to check your paint.
I hope that's helpful!
In His hands,
S. E
A lot of great suggestions! Just my two cents - the lead can come from where your child plays outside too... it can be in the dirt. Wash hands well after playing outside and try to keep dirt out of his mouth.
A natural way to get rid of the lead in his body without having to "wait it out": you can sprinkle kelp powder in his food. It has a very ocean/fish smell but my girls don't mind it mixed into things. I usually sprinkle a bit into their oatmeal every morning. You can add it to pasta sauces, etc. too, and you won't even notice it. I got mine online at a natural foods source I regularly buy from (www.azurestandard.com) but I am sure you can find it at a whole/natural foods store.
