Nutritional interventions to prevent lead exposure and absorption

Provide a balanced diet that provides a combination of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy products

Ensure children receive sufficient amounts of calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin C

Reduce consumption of foods high in fat

Do not store food or liquids in lead crystal glassware or imported or old pottery

If you reuse plastic bags to store or carry food, keep the printing on the outside of the bag

Avoid eating produce that is grown in soil with a high lead content or sprayed with insecticides that contain lead

If lead-contaminated water is a concern:

Flush pipes for several minutes before drinking water or using it for cooking

Use only cold water for cooking, drinking, or preparing infant formula

Consider buying a HEPA* filter certified for lead removal. Call the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 800-426-4791.

* High-efficiency particulate air.

Adapted from: www.epa.gov/lead/educationexesum.htm and www.psr.org/childled.htm.

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