Lead - nutritional considerations

Alternative names:

lead poisoning - nutritional considerations; toxic metal - nutritional considerations

Recommendations:

To reduce your exposure to lead:

• Paint over old leaded paint if in good condition, or remove the old paint and repaint with lead-free paint. If it needs to be sanded or removed because it is chipping or pealing, get advice on safe removal from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) hotline (800-RID-LEAD) or the National Lead Information Center (800-LEAD-FYI)

Keep your home as dust free as possible and everyone should wash their hands before eating.

• Dispose of old painted toys if you do not know whether they have lead-free paint.
• Let tap water run for a minute before drinking or cooking with it

If your water has been tested high in lead, consider installing an effective filtering device or switch to bottled water for drinking and cooking.

• Avoid canned goods from foreign countries until the ban on lead soldered cans goes into effect.
• If imported wine containers have a lead foil wrapper, wipe the rim and neck of the bottle with a towel moistened with lemon juice, vinegar, or wine before using.
• Don't store wine, spirits, or vinegar-based salad dressings in lead crystal decanters for long periods of time as lead can leach out into the liquid.