What should you know?

• Lead dust flaking from old paint can most likely be found within 15 feet of the home, fence and garage.
• Because children crawl, they are more likely to breathe and ingest lead-contaminated dust and soil.
• Traces of lead can be found in everyday products made outside the United States, within cosmetics, cookware or even candy.

What can
you do?

• When outside, keep children out of bare soil.
• Check for peeling paint near bare soil and cover those areas with grass or mulch.
• Wash dirt and dust off of hands, body, toys, bottles and clothes.
• Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with cold water for 1 minute or until all dirt and dust is removed.
• See a doctor if you’re worried about lead exposure.

What should you NOT do?

• DO NOT garden close to your home, fence or garage. Keep gardens 15 feet away from these areas.
• DO NOT walk through the home with dusty shoes or clothes if you work with lead, are renovating a home or have recently been exposed to bare soil.
• DO NOT purchase cosmetics, cookware or candy made outside the United States that could contain lead.

Additional resources:

• Get tested for lead exposure: Contact your doctor, local WIC Clinic or your city’s Health Department.
• Well Fed Means Less Lead! See the Get Well Fed page for tips on protecting your family through the use of healthy foods.