Lead poisoning: What parents can do

Here are some tips for parents on how to prevent lead poisoning at home.

Get kids tested. Pediatricians and local health departments can test children's blood to measure lead levels. They can also provide advice on how to test homes, yards and gardens for lead.

Wash up. Children are often exposed to lead from putting dirty toys or hands in their mouths.

Create barriers. Keep children away from lead chipping paint on walls and windowsills. Also use contact paper or duct tape to cover holes in walls or block access to other sources of lead.

Wash floors and windows regularly. Floors and windows hold house dust, which is a major source of lead in the home.

Eat well. Good nutrition can protect children from the effects of lead exposure through less absorption.

Avoid bare soil. Soil can contain lead from paint, leaded gasoline and factory emissions. Plant grass or invest in a sandbox so children are not directly playing in the dirt.

Source: CDC and USA TODAY research