Community Corner
Lead Poisoning Prevention Tips
Lead can sometimes be found in tap water, here are some ways to avoid drinking it.
NEWTON, MA - With the Flint water crisis all over the news, people are becoming concerned about lead contamination in their own drinking water. If you’re worried about lead poisoning, here are some ways to stay safe.
- Run your water for 15 to 30 seconds, or until it becomes cold, to flush out the lead from the interior plumbing before using it for drinking or cooking, especially if the tap hasn’t been used in awhile.
- Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.
- Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
- Look for alternative drinking water sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter.
- Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead.
- Get your child’s blood tested. Contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead if you are concerned about exposure. For general information on lead poisoning in children, contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 1-800-532-9571.
- Test your water for lead. Call the MassDEP Drinking Water Program at 617-292-5770 to find out how to get your water tested for lead.
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