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r <br /> r r Finding Lead in the Home <br /> .f <br /> Facts about Lead Poisoning <br /> J L E A D POISONS <br /> Lead is part of our world today. It is found in the air, soil, paint of some older buildings and in <br /> some food. Being exposed to too much lead can cause serious health problems. Lead is never a <br /> normal part of your body. The good news is that lead poisoning can be prevented. <br /> Here are answers to some of the common questions people ask about lead poisoning. <br /> How can I tell if my child has too much lead in his/her body? <br /> People with high levels of lead in their bodies often do not seem sick.The symptoms that occur are very general <br /> and can happen for many reasons. Your local public health clinic or family doctor can do a simple blood test to <br /> find out if there is too much lead in the blood.This blood test involves taking a sample of blood from your child's <br /> finger or a vein in the arm. If the blood sample shows a problem with lead, more testing will be done. <br /> Adults who think they may have been exposed to too much lead should also be tested. <br /> hich children need to be tested? <br /> A yearly test is advised for children ages 6 months to 6 years of age who: <br /> • live or play in older housing (built before 1960) with chipping or peeling paint; <br /> • live or play in a house where the lead-based paint is being removed; <br /> • have brothers, sisters, housemates or playmates with moderate or high blood lead levels; <br /> • live near a roadway with heavy traffic or a business where lead is used; <br /> • live with an adult who works in a job or has a hobby where lead is used. <br /> Call your local health department to find out how you can have your child tested. <br /> What can I do to prevent lead poisoning? <br /> If you work in a job where lead is used,don't forget that lead may be a health hazard. People working as painters, <br /> remodelers, auto repair workers,plumbers and battery factory workers can be exposed to lead on the job.Follow <br /> these safety rules to help protect you and your family. <br /> • Wear protective equipment and clothing on the job <br /> • Change your clothes, take a shower and wash your hair before leaving the job <br /> • Do not shake out these work clothes and do not wash them with other clothing <br /> • Do not eat, drink or smoke in an area where lead is used <br /> MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LEAD PROGRAM 121 E. SEvENTH PL.AcE, P.O. Box 64975, ST. PAUL, MMMOTA 5516441975 .• 612/215-0890 <br /> Printed on Recycled Paper <br />