Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1545213
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 21 www.FredericksburgParent.NET 5 For starters, even everyday ac ons like opening and closing windows covered with lead-based paint can create lead dust. Renova on and repair projects are another common act that can disturb old paint and pose a hazard. Something as simple as hanging a pain ng can even disrupt dust containing lead. If you live in an older home, the most important thing to do is to bring in a lead-safe cer fied contractor. "If your home was built before 1978, you should not remodel or renovate it yourself. You should hire a lead-safe cer fied contractor. This is a cer fica on that the U.S. Environmental Protec on Agency (EPA) provides to contractors to make sure that these contractors know how to renovate these older homes properly in a way that won't contaminate other rooms or present any kind of health hazard to the family," said Kerr. Certain commercially-sold lead test kits can be a faster and less ex- pensive first step to determining if there is lead in your home. How- ever, many of these kits are inconsistent and inaccurate. Consumers should only u lize EPA-cer fied lead tes ng kits and always follow up with a professional regardless of the result. The EPA has an online tool so that families can easily find a lead-safe cer fied contractor near them. For families who need assistance cov- ering the cost of remedia ng lead hazards in their home, The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development has a program that provides remedia on and abatement at no cost to families who meet the income requirements. Remedia on is the process of iden - fying, controlling and removing lead hazards, most commonly lead- based paint, from a home. Preventa ve ac ons that can reduce lead exposure While lead exposure can feel overwhelming, many of the most effec- ve preven on strategies are simple and manageable. These include frequent handwashing, cleaning toys rou nely and maintaining a nutrient-dense diet (one that is especially rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C to lessen lead absorp on). If a child has been playing outside in bare soil around the home, or if the family has a parent who has a job or hobby (construc on, dem- oli on, firearms, etc.) where they come into contact with lead, then changing clothes immediately and leaving shoes outside is also an effec ve strategy. Using the "wet-wet method" of cleaning with wet mops and wet washcloths, which reduce the likelihood of dust flying into the air, is also extremely useful. Families can apply the wet-wet method when cleaning around window sills, door frames or tabletops. And, for those with older service lines, flushing the water for 60 sec- onds before using it can get rid of stagnant water that has been si ng in the pipes for a longer period of me. Using only cold water from the tap when cooking will also help, as heat corrodes pipes faster. "It all sounds like li le things," Kerr said, "but all added up, they can actually make a really big difference." The most important first step With so many factors involved, it's easy to feel unsure where to begin, but according to Kerr, the star ng point is simple. "The biggest thing is to go through that set of risk criteria and figure out if your child is at risk," she said. From there, tes ng, educa on and preven on strategies can follow. "The faster you iden fy the source, the faster it can be removed from a child's environment," said Kerr. "Knowledge is power. If families have all the tools to be able to talk to their provider about tes ng and im- plement some of these preven on strategies, they'll be able to reduce the risk of exposure in the home." Lead Prevention Checklist □ Using the wet-wet method when cleaning □ Eating regular, nutrient-dense meals □ Changing clothes and leaving shoes outside □ Frequent handwashing, especially before meals □ Routinely cleaning toys □ Opting for cold water from the tap □ Flushing water for 60 seconds before use Lead Test Kits Lead-based Paint Professional Locator & Lead Hazard Reduc on program www.FredericksburgParent.NET 5 For starters, even everyday ac ons like opening and closing windows covered with lead-based paint can create lead dust. Renova on and repair projects are another common act that can disturb old paint and pose a hazard. Something as simple as hanging a pain ng can even disrupt dust containing lead. If you live in an older home, the most important thing to do is to bring in a lead-safe cer fied contractor. "If your home was built before 1978, you should not remodel or renovate it yourself. You should hire a lead-safe cer fied contractor. This is a cer fica on that the U.S. Environmental Protec on Agency (EPA) provides to contractors to make sure that these contractors know how to renovate these older homes properly in a way that won't contaminate other rooms or present any kind of health hazard to the family," said Kerr. Certain commercially-sold lead test kits can be a faster and less ex- pensive first step to determining if there is lead in your home. How- ever, many of these kits are inconsistent and inaccurate. Consumers should only u lize EPA-cer fied lead tes ng kits and always follow up with a professional regardless of the result. The EPA has an online tool so that families can easily find a lead-safe cer fied contractor near them. For families who need assistance cov- ering the cost of remedia ng lead hazards in their home, The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development has a program that provides remedia on and abatement at no cost to families who meet the income requirements. Remedia on is the process of iden - fying, controlling and removing lead hazards, most commonly lead- based paint, from a home. Preventa ve ac ons that can reduce lead exposure While lead exposure can feel overwhelming, many of the most effec- ve preven on strategies are simple and manageable. These include frequent handwashing, cleaning toys rou nely and maintaining a nutrient-dense diet (one that is especially rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C to lessen lead absorp on). If a child has been playing outside in bare soil around the home, or if the family has a parent who has a job or hobby (construc on, dem- oli on, firearms, etc.) where they come into contact with lead, then changing clothes immediately and leaving shoes outside is also an effec ve strategy. Using the "wet-wet method" of cleaning with wet mops and wet washcloths, which reduce the likelihood of dust flying into the air, is also extremely useful. Families can apply the wet-wet method when cleaning around window sills, door frames or tabletops. And, for those with older service lines, flushing the water for 60 sec- onds before using it can get rid of stagnant water that has been si ng in the pipes for a longer period of me. Using only cold water from the tap when cooking will also help, as heat corrodes pipes faster. "It all sounds like li le things," Kerr said, "but all added up, they can actually make a really big difference." The most important first step With so many factors involved, it's easy to feel unsure where to begin, but according to Kerr, the star ng point is simple. "The biggest thing is to go through that set of risk criteria and figure out if your child is at risk," she said. From there, tes ng, educa on and preven on strategies can follow. "The faster you iden fy the source, the faster it can be removed from a child's environment," said Kerr. "Knowledge is power. If families have all the tools to be able to talk to their provider about tes ng and im- plement some of these preven on strategies, they'll be able to reduce the risk of exposure in the home." Lead Prevention Checklist □ Using the wet-wet method when cleaning □ Eating regular, nutrient-dense meals □ Changing clothes and leaving shoes outside □ Frequent handwashing, especially before meals □ Routinely cleaning toys □ Opting for cold water from the tap □ Flushing water for 60 seconds before use Lead Test Kits Lead-based Paint Professional Locator & Lead Hazard Reduc on program sponsored material