Primary prevention is the most effective way to prevent lead exposure. Actions you can take to reduce the risk of lead exposure include:

• Wash your hands and your children’s hands especially before eating and after playing outdoors.
• Eat foods that have enough iron and other vitamins and minerals. A person who eats a balanced, nutritious diet may absorb less lead. Eat at the table.
• Keep your floors dust-free by vacuuming and damp-mopping often. Leave outside shoes at the door. Damp dust frequently, especially window ledges and countertops.
• Keep outdoor play areas clean. Cover the sandbox when you are finished playing. Hose off patios, play equipment, and driveways often. Play on the grass and cover bare soil areas.
• Renovate safely. Seal off the area of work, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and clean well when complete. Keep children and pregnant women away if possible.

Secondary prevention including blood lead testing and follow-up minimizes further exposure. Trail offers an annual voluntary blood lead testing clinic for children under five years old.