This blog post was written for Doulas of Utah by our friends at the Salt Lake County Health Department.
Bringing home a new baby is exciting. It also comes with many new things to learn. One important way to help keep your baby healthy is by protecting them from lead.
The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable. Learning where lead can be found and taking a few simple steps can help give your child a healthy start.
What Is Lead Poisoning?
Lead is a metal that can be harmful if it gets into the body. Young children are at the greatest risk because their brains and bodies are still growing.
Lead poisoning often has no warning signs or symptoms. The only way to know if a child has been exposed is through a simple blood lead test.
Why Is Lead Dangerous?
Even small amounts of lead can affect a child’s health. Lead exposure can:
- Slow a child’s growth and development.
- Make learning more difficult.
- Affect attention and behavior.
- Cause health problems later in life.
Because these effects can last a lifetime, preventing lead exposure is very important.
Where Can Lead Be Found?
Many people think lead is only found in old paint, but it can be found in other places too, including:
- Homes built before 1978 with peeling or chipping paint
- Household dust and soil around older homes
- Some imported cookware, dishes, and pottery
- Some imported spices, cosmetics, and traditional remedies
- Antique or imported toys and jewelry
- Certain jobs or hobbies, such as construction, auto repair, furniture refinishing, or shooting firearms, where lead dust can be brought home on clothing or shoes
Simple Ways to Help Protect Your Baby
You can help lower your baby’s risk of lead exposure by:
- Washing your baby’s hands and toys often.
- Wet-cleaning floors and windowsills to remove dust.
- Taking off shoes before coming into the house.
- Washing work clothes separately if they may have lead dust on them.
- Using safe methods (Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule) when repairing or remodeling older homes.
- Feeding your child foods rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C as they begin eating solid foods.
- Talking with your child’s healthcare provider about blood lead testing. Children should be tested at 12 and 24 months. All children younger than 6 years old who have not been tested should also receive a blood lead test.
Looking for more ways to prepare for life with your newborn? Our Newborn Care Classes at Doulas of Utah help parents feel confident with feeding, soothing, safe sleep, and newborn care before baby arrives.
For More Information:
Salt Lake County Health Department: SLCo.to/LeadPoisoning
Utah Department of Health and Human Services (UDHHS): https://epi.utah.gov/lead-poisoning-prevention/
Utah Lead Coalition: https://leadcoalition.utah.gov/
Every Small Step Helps
As a parent, you do many things every day to help your child grow and stay healthy. Learning about lead is one more way to protect your family.
By knowing where lead can be found and taking simple steps to prevent exposure, you can help give your child a healthy, lead-free start.
Additional Resources for New Parents
If you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival, you may also find these resources helpful:
- 6 Mistakes Parents Make During the First Month With a Newborn
- Understanding Bottle Nipple Sizes: How to Choose the Right Flow
- Daytime vs. Overnight Postpartum Support: Which Is Right for Your Family?
- How Much Does a Postpartum Doula Cost in Utah?
Editor’s Note: We are grateful to our community partners for helping educate Utah families about important topics like lead poisoning prevention. While this article focuses on keeping your baby safe from environmental hazards, Doulas of Utah is committed to supporting families through every stage of postpartum recovery and newborn care. Interested in learning more? Reach out today!
