Why is lead a concern for your unborn baby?
Lead can pass from mother to her unborn child before birth. Very high levels of lead can increase the risk of a miscarriage or cause the baby to be born too small or too early.
Redoing a room for your baby? There may be lead paint.
If your house was built before 1978, it could have lead paint in it. Don't sand, scrape, or burn lead paint. This could cause lead to get into your body and pass into your baby's body.
Don't do any of the following:
- Getting the walls ready for repainting or wallpapering
- Scraping or stripping old paint from woodwork, furniture, or walls
- Taking down walls or doing other remodeling projects
If your house was built before 1978 and contains lead paint, don't do any of this work yourself. You should not be in your home while this work is being done. Return to your home only after it has been properly cleaned.
For more information on how to clean after repair or renovation work, call the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP).
Other sources of lead
Lead can exist in more than just paint. When you are pregnant, you and other family members should not use items that may contain lead. Learn about other sources of lead.
Eat the right foods
Eat foods high in calcium, vitamin C, and iron, which can help decrease your body's lead absorption.
- Milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in calcium
- Beef, raisins, peanut butter, and green leafy vegetables are high in iron
- Fruits such as orange, grapefruit, and tomatoes are high in vitamin C
Take your prenatal vitamins every day.
Don't use bone meal or dolomite as calcium supplements, as they may contain lead.
Do's and Don'ts
Don't:
- Remove paint yourself
- Do repainting or renovations yourself
- Go home after repair or renovation work until after your home has been properly cleaned
- Use hot tap water for cooking, drinking, or making baby formula
Do:
- If you own your home, have it inspected and deleaded before your baby is born
- Be aware of lead paint hazards
- Have a licensed lead inspector test your home for lead dust after repair or renovation work. Do this before you move back into it.
- Make sure your home is properly cleaned before you move back into it
- Let cold water run before using it for drinking or cooking
- Learn more about lead at your health care provider's office, clinic, or local lead program
Make your home a safer place
After your baby is born, the Massachusetts Lead Law requires the property owner to have lead hazards removed or covered, or put under interim control. This applies only if the house was built before 1978.
Have your home tested for lead by a licensed lead inspector. If you rent, ask the owner about having the home tested for lead. You can also call your local board of health for a lead determination.
Any lead hazards must be corrected according to Massachusetts regulations.