Childhood Lead Poisoning and Pacifiers
Do these really go together? Of course not! Â
I once thought that my little 2 year old grandson, like many other little children, were overly dependent on their pacifiers. (that may be because my sons rejected pacifiers; though one son was dependent on his thumb, or biting his nails, and the other son on breastfeeding till age 3 years! for comfort).
 As you have probably heard, childhood lead poisoning is back in the news. I worked as a case manager in childhood lead poisoning for 4 years, not so long ago. We found out about lots of tainted imported toys, and food treats. So I am now much more supportive of pacifiers! Better to put that in the mouth than a leaded toy.
But, PLEASE remember to wash those little hands before eating snacks and meals!!!! just in case the toy played with before meals and snacks had lead in them!
 Lead poisoning is something you need to be concerned about if you live in an old house, in an old city. Worry if you live in a big city on the east or west coast, or even an old city in between. If you are doing any renovation to an old house (tearing out the wallpaper, scraping paint) do consult someone from your local  health department, specifically environmental health.
 Why be concerned about lead? Because its ingestion or inhalation can lead to serious developmental problems in little children whose brains are rapidly developing and susceptible to toxins. And how do they get lead in their bodies and brains? Scraping paint for renovation. Chewing fingernails that scraped lead painted walls. Chewing on windowsills in old houses. I did that when I was 2 years old. I am lucky to have some brain cells left. Oh. I also loved that sweet smell of lead in gas stations. Glad that is gone now!
 Beware of Mexican candies and those beautiful painted pots and imported toys. Beware of toys from China. Beware of using Kohl from India on eyelids. There is a lot more to tell you. Stay tuned.