1) Have Your Child Tested. This is the only sure way to determine your child's blood lead level. If your child's lead level is elevated, a second test should be done to validate and confirm the original test results.

2) Take Preventive Measures. With the knowledge of your child's lead level you can take action to reduce the level through medical treatment, if necessary, or with diet, improved sanitary habits, and more household cleanliness. If your child's blood lead levels are not elevated but you still believe that lead contamination in your home is a threat to your and your child's health, then begin a program of preventive measures as described in our Get the Lead Out Section.

A Little Lead Can Cause Big Problems
It doesn't take much lead to cause problems in young children. Only 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood (possibly less based on the latest data) can be harmful.

How much is 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood?

1. A deciliter is about one half of a cup.

2. A packet of sweetener equals 1 gram

3. There are one million micrograms in a gram.

4. So, divide one packet into a million piles.

5. Now set aside all but 10 of those piles.

6. Then mix the 10 piles (10 micrograms) into half a cup of liquid.