Lead in the house

Water                             
Water leaves the purification plant without lead in it but by the time you turn on your tap, dangerous amounts may have accumulated. This is because water may dissolve lead that is present in brass or bronze faucets and fittings, lead pipes or lead solder. Two factors influence the extent of this problem: your water's characteristics (many utilities treat water to minimize the presence of lead) and the age of your fixtures. Older fixtures can develop a protective coating from deposits in the water. Because Midlands water is hard, lead is less of a problem here, but individual homes could have a problem.

If you haven't used your water for several hours, run your tap water until it turns cold before using it for cooking or drinking. Some health officials recommend 15 to 30 seconds, others recommend two to five minutes. Don't use hot tap water for cooking or drinking because it dissolves lead more readily.

Never feed children formula or juices made from the first stream of water out of your faucet in the morning or from water that has sat in pipes for hours. Boiling water will not eliminate lead.

Food
Lead can be present in storage containers made from poorly glazed pottery, imported cans with lead seams, antique pewter, some imported pottery, porcelain and leaded glass. Don't store food, especially acidic food, for long periods in any of these. Lead dust on counters, dishes and hands also can contaminate food, so it is important to clean surfaces and hands before cooking or eating. Good nutrition reduces the body's absorption of lead. Feed your child a diet high in iron and calcium (spinach, fortified cereal, peanuts, milk, yogurt, cheese)

Other sources of lead around the house include:

• Old bathtubs
• Lead wicks in candles (wicks with metal in middle may contain lead)
• Fishing weights
• Hobbies such as stained glass making or target practice.
• Jobs such as construction, demolition, painting, battery work, or radiator repair can expose a person to lead, which can be brought home on clothing.
• Drapery and window weights
• Folk remedies such as "greta" and "azarcon."
• Brass keys
• Battery casings
• Old toys or furniture may be painted with lead paint.
• Some imported plastic mini-blinds.