Lead Poisoning: Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

If you suspect that someone in your family has lead poisoning, consult a doctor right away. The most important thing you can do is remove sources of lead in and around your home.

If you have lead in your house paint, soil, or drinking water, you may want to consider the following:

• Tips if your home is contaminated. First, seek professional help to get rid of the lead. After a professional clean-up, do regular cleaning. For example, wipe toys, windowsills, door frames, and uncarpeted floors with a wet cloth or damp mop twice a week with warm, soapy water.
• Tips if your drinking water is contaminated, including letting cold water run for a few minutes in the morning before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Tips for nutrition and food preparation, including making sure children get enough iron in their diet.
• Tips if you have a job or hobby that involves working with lead, such as showering and changing clothes and shoes at work before getting in your car or before you come home, to prevent bringing home lead dust on your clothes and hair.

Good nutrition is important. Make sure your family eats a diet that includes adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

Last updated:	June 26, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC