Select from the following links for information on the effects of lead exposure, ways to reduce lead in the home and drinking water, lead regulations in the District and the District's plan to eliminate lead poisoning by the year 2010:

Lead Fact Sheet*
If You Think Your Home Has High Levels of Lead
If You Are Concerned About Lead In Your Drinking Water
TITLE XX. Childhood Lead Poisoning Screening and Reporting Sec. 2001*
Strategic Plan to Eliminate Lead Poison by the Year 2010*

Physicians, Laboratories, Clinics:
Fax Childhood Blood Lead Level Results to
(202) 535-1398

If you think your home has high levels of lead:

• Get your young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy.
• Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
• Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods.
• Get your home checked for lead hazards.
• Regularly clean floors, windowsills, and other surfaces.
• Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.
• Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.
• Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating (call 1-800-424-LEAD for guidelines).
• Don't use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead.
• Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself.

If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water:

• Draw water for drinking or cooking after other high water use activities, such as bathing, showering, flushing the toilet, or washing your clothes, so that a total of at least 10 minutes of flushing water from your lead service pipes has occurred.
• Flush your kitchen tap for 60 seconds, then collect drinking water in containers and store them in the refrigerator. About once a month, remove and clean the strainer/aerator device on your faucet to remove debris.
• Use cold water for drinking or cooking, as hot water will contain higher levels of lead. Cold water should be heated for making hot beverages or cooking. Do not use the water from the hot water faucet for drinking or cooking.

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