Lead Poisoning Prevention (continued) Q: How do I protect/prevent my child(ren) from lead poisoning?
• Teach your children to wash hands before eating. • Keep children from chewing painted surfaces. • Have your paint, water and soil tested. • Minimize dust by regularly cleaning floors, windowsills, window wells, etc. • Serve foods high in iron, calcium and vitamin C and low in fat. • Get your child(ren) tested for lead. Q: Will the District of Columbia government test my home for lead? Yes. If you have a child(ren) under the age of six (6). Q: What should I do if I have chipping and peeling lead-based paint in my home? Do not remove lead paint yourself. Hire a professional. (The Lead Poisoning Prevention Division has a list of District of Columbia Certified.) The Lead Poisoning Prevention Division has a grant program that gives qualified property owners up to $18,000 to reduce lead hazards in their home or rental unit. Q: If I am renting, does my landlord have to remove all the lead in my apartment or house? No. The landlord must maintain all painted surfaces intact (no chipping, peel
