Is there lead in my yard? Tips for protecting kids from lead exposure

As the weather warms up, kids spend more time playing outside. If you spend any time with young kids, you know one of their favorite pastimes is digging in the dirt! If you have an older home, there might be lead in the soil, and we have tips to help keep kids safe.

Most lead is found in paint, but it can also be in the soil around your home.

There is no safe level of lead. While lead can hurt anyone, the health effects of lead exposure are particularly damaging for young children.

The most common source of lead exposure is old paint, especially in homes built before 1978 when lead paint was still legal. As exterior paint chips and flakes off, it can get into the soil surrounding your house.

Soil in this area, usually about 3 to 5 feet from the base of the house, can hold lead for many years. If your child plays in that soil, they could accidentally swallow lead by putting their hands or toys in their mouth. Even small bits of dirt can be dangerous. While caregivers may be aware of the dangers of lead paint, we often aren’t thinking about the soil near our homes too.

Take steps to reduce your child’s risk of lead exposure from soil.

This can sound scary, but rest assured there are simple steps you can take to help keep your kids safe:

• Make sure kids are playing a few yards from the home and in grassy patches or on pavement. Prevent kids from playing in bare soil and mud.
• Wash your kid’s hands after playing outside. Baby wipes can be a quick and easy way to clean up in a pinch.
• Remind kids not to put dirty hands or toys in their mouths when playing outside. We know this is easier said than done! Handing your child plastic play tools like shovels and rakes as opposed to their bare hands can help.
• Take off shoes before coming into your home and put dirty clothes straight into the hamper. This helps stop lead dust from spreading inside.

Have your child tested for lead.

To help catch lead exposure early, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services now recommends universal lead testing for young children:

• Test all children at age 1.
• Test all children again at age 2.
• Test any children between ages 3 to 5 without a previous test.

If you’re not sure if your child has been tested for lead, ask your pediatrician. Children of any age can be tested if there’s a concern about lead exposure.

Let’s chat!

• Talk to a nurse about lead poisoning: 608-243-0304
• Talk to us about lead in your home: 608-242-6515
• Español:  608-243-0380