Lead Poisoning Prevention Guidance for Parents and Caregivers

Dust from lead-based paint is the major source of lead poisoning among children. Children can be poisoned by lead in their own home, at child care or in a caretaker's home.

Any home built before 1978 likely has lead-based paint in it. In 1978, lead was banned from house paint, but about 60% of Vermont homes were built before 1978. 

Over time, lead paint on surfaces crumbles into invisible dust — especially from opening and closing doors and windows — that contaminates homes and soil. Even if the home has been repainted since 1978, the opening and closing of doors and windows can release lead dust from the original lead-based paint. 

Home repairs or renovations can also create lead dust that can harm children and people who are pregnant.

Soil can become contaminated with lead from different sources, like peeling housepaint, old deposits from car exhaust when leaded gasoline was used, and industrial sources like lead battery manufacturing plants or brass foundries. The common places where lead is found in soil are alongside homes built before 1978 and near roads and driveways.

Lead gets into drinking water as it moves through lead or galvanized iron pipes and fittings, lead solder, and brass or chrome fixtures.

You cannot see, smell or taste lead. Testing is the only way to know if lead is in your drinking water. Find out how to test your water for lead.

Lead can also come from your job or hobbies — such as auto body work, painting or scraping paint, making stained glass, or casting lead toys, sinkers or bullets. If you work with lead, we recommend that you get a blood lead test and discuss the results with your health care provider.

• Check for chipping, peeling, cracked or disturbed paint.
• Install window well inserts to provide a smooth cleaning surface.
• Use lead-safe work practices – such as wet sanding and wet scraping.

• Use only a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and vacuum slowly.
• Wet mop floors and use wet disposable towels on windowsills and surfaces.
• Leave shoes at the door to avoid tracking in soil that contains lead.
• Wash children’s toys often to remove invisible lead dust.
• Wash children’s hands often, especially before meals, naps and bedtime. 

• Serve children fruits, vegetables and dairy products, as well as iron-rich foods.
• Plant vegetable and other food gardens in lead-free soil.
• Serve snacks and meals to children at the table or in their highchairs. 

• Lead can also be found in soil, water, and products, such as keys, toys, and antiques.
• Have your drinking water tested for lead.
• Run water until cold for cooking, drinking and making formula.
• Keep children from playing in bare soil near roadways and older houses.
• Do not let children play with metal keys.
• Do not store food in open cans or pottery.
• Keep children away from certain hobbies, like making bullets or stained glass.
• Be aware of products that have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.