Head Start CLASSROOM EXERCISES Eating healthy is an important part of keeping young children (especially those under the age of six) safe from the dangers posed by lead. The following snacks are examples of foods that are high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C, nutrients that can protect children from lead poisoning. When making the snacks, explain to children that eating healthy can help protect them from lead poisoning. Children with healthy diets can absorb less lead in their bones and blood streams. But remind them also to stay away from the three major sources of lead: > Lead-based paint in and around the home is a hazard if it is peel ing, chipping, chalking, or cracking. Even lead-based paint that appears to be undisturbed can be a problem if it is on surfaces that children chew or that get a lot of wear and tear. > Eating paint chips or breathing in lead dust are common ways of becoming lead poisoned. Lead dust forms when lead paint is dry-scraped or sanded. Dust also can become contaminated when painted surfaces bump or rub together. > Playing outside near or with contaminated soil can cause lead poisoning. When exterior lead-based paint from houses, buildings, or other structures flakes or peels, it can contami- nate the soil. Soil near roadways may also be contaminated from past use of leaded gasoline in cars. > Let water run until it becomes cold as it will get. This could take as little as 5 to 30 seconds if there has been recent heavy water use such as showering or toilet flushing. (Let water run longer if responding to your local conditions.) If possible, use a filter for drinking and cooking water. At the next parents' meeting be sure to provide parents with EPA's Chance of a Lifetime brochure and the list of snack ideas to try at home. For more information on lead poisoning please refer to EPA's Chance of a Lifetime fact sheets. To request additional information you also may contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or visit wwviiLepa.gov/lead. ------- SUGGESTED SNACKS Sm»\eys 1-2 serves Navel Orange "" Makes 1 serv.09 9 slices of wheat bread |*cS of cheese maw prax/ *• - LEAD Awareness Program For more information about lead poisoning, visit EPffs Vlfeb site at www.epa.gov/lead or call The National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). ------- |