Lead Levels

[belltree]

Hi,

We just got our first lead result back, and BLL (blood lead levels) are ok, but not zero; they were 4.6. Our house is old and we rent. There is no way we can move right now, plus we might have to move sometime next summer, when we finish school.

I read about a study, that showed, that even levels as low as 5mcg/dl do affect children, especially in their mental capabilities. This all makes me worried.

What would you do? Is there anything we can do in the meantime? Our doctor just said 4.6 is fine and we shouldn't worry, but I had to got and check the internet...

[tzs]

well, you could also look at the other side of it that says that when we were kids we all probably had levels way higher than would be acceptable today and some of us turned out ok. (my dd's first level came back slightly over 10.....leading to freak outs and some research)

but also there are minor changes you can do without moving or renovation. 

they say the biggie is making it a shoes-free household (no tracking it in from outside and around the floor). you can also make sure to wet clean windowsills regularly (or once if you never open and close them...alot of paint dust comes from there.) and then mop floors with a dirty and clean bucket.

there's a really good lead thread on here...maybe somebody will link you to it.

[tzs]

....oh...and wash his hands alot....before they go in the mouth.....i forgot that one

[crunchy_mommy]

You can also increase his calcium & iron intake, that will help block lead absorption.

Try not to drive yourself crazy with worry -- you will not be able to get his lead level to zero, everyone has some lead in their bloodstream, and it's not like his levels are just below the cutoff of 10... they are well below...

Edited by crunchy_mommy - 12/1/10 at 12:55pm

[belltree]

We are a shoe-free household. But live in the historical district with tons of houses being painted and sanded recently.

We'll pay more attention to washing hands, and look at calcium and iron intake.

Thanks for the quick tips :)