Protecting Your Child from Lead Exposure: The Role of Nutrition and Safe Practices
What is Lead Exposure and Why is it Harmful?
Lead is a toxic metal that can be found in old paint, contaminated soil, water pipes, certain toys, and even some imported goods. When children are exposed to lead, it can affect their growth, learning, and behavior. The younger the child, the more vulnerable they are, as their bodies absorb lead more easily than adults.
Common Sources of Lead
Old Paint: Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, which, when chipping or deteriorating, creates lead dust.
Water Pipes: Lead pipes or fixtures can leach lead into drinking water.
Soil: Lead can contaminate soil, especially in urban areas or near highways.
Toys and Imported Goods: Some older toys or imported products (cosmetics, cookware, etc.) may contain lead.
How Nutrition Plays a Role in Reducing Lead Absorption
The good news is that proper nutrition can help lower the amount of lead absorbed in a child’s body. Several specific nutrients act as protective barriers against lead. Including these in your child’s diet can be a helpful way to support their health:
Calcium: Calcium helps build strong bones and reduces lead absorption by competing with lead for entry into the body. Ensure your child gets enough calcium from:
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese
Leafy greens such as spinach and kale
Calcium-fortified orange juice or cereals
Iron: Iron deficiency can increase the body’s absorption of lead, so it’s important to provide iron-rich foods. Good sources of iron include:
Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and beef
Beans, lentils, and chickpeas
Iron-fortified cereals and oatmeal
Vitamin C: Vitamin C boosts iron absorption and may also reduce the amount of lead absorbed by the body. Include foods high in vitamin C like:
Additional Tips for Preventing Lead Exposure
Test your child for lead: Speak with your pediatrician or primary care provider about the risks of lead and follow through on lead testing if recommended.
Wash hands and toys frequently: Effective handwashing is essential before eating to reduce the likelihood of lead ingestion if lead dust is present on children’s hands. Keeping toys or other items children play with clean is also helpful, especially as infants and toddlers tend to explore objects through mouthing.
Professional Support:
Bright Beginnings provides a wide array of individualized services to caregivers and children in Cuyahoga County impacted by lead exposure, including lead-reducing techniques and supplies, developmental screens and activities, connections to lead-related resources and much more! Learn more about the services we offer
now.
Maggie VanDyne has been a member of the Bright Beginnings team since early 2022 serving in the role of Parent Support Supervisor. Her previous work experience included over 15 years of work with children and families. This has covered the implementation and development of lessons as an early childhood educator, providing clinical counseling services to individuals with significant stressors, and building trauma-informed practices and policies in service of children and families experiencing homelessness. She is passionate about advocacy focused on health equity and reducing the stigma of mental health. Maggie is the mother of two girls; both of whom love to play outside, dance to music, and watch as much TV as their mother will allow.