| Before 1978, lead was permitted in both interior and | | | | ways to deal with your home's old lead paint. The |
| exterior paint, and, once it starts chipping due to age, or | | | | recommended methods may not always be |
| when it flakes and chips during renovation, there's | | | | convenient -- but your kids' health could depend on |
| danger. Even inhaling dust from lead paint as it's | | | | them. |
| sanded can be harmful. Lead paint poses a serious | | | | A related word about lead: Several types of toys |
| issue, and it affects 1.7 million kids under age 5 in this | | | | have recently been recalled because they've been |
| country. The Environmental Protection Agency says | | | | found to contain lead. Sometimes parents tell us |
| that the consequences are serious -- even | | | | they're reluctant to return the toys to the manufacturer, |
| devastating. | | | | or to throw them out, because their children are |
| They can include: IQ deficiencies, reading and learning | | | | attached to them. |
| disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention spans, | | | | Our advice? We repeat what we said about lead |
| and significant behavior problems. These effects are | | | | paint: The effects of lead poisoning are irreversible -- |
| irreversible -- that's why the emphasis should be on | | | | and your kids' health could depend on how you deal |
| prevention. | | | | with the situation. One way or another, get rid of those |
| Before you begin your renovations, we suggest you | | | | unsafe toys! |
| consult an experienced professional about appropriate | | | | |