Many of us are very busy this time of year and we need to remember a few tips to keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy.
Lead Safety:
When shopping this season it is important to be careful of the toys you purchase for children. Toys that have been made in other countries and then imported to the United States or antique toys and collectibles that have been passed down through generations can put children at risk for lead exposure.
Lead can be found in the paint of toys. Lead paint was banned in the United States in 1978, however most of our children's toys are not manufactured here in the states and lead is still found in imported toys. Lead can also be found in toys that are made of plastic. The use of lead in plastics has not been banned in the United States.
Lead is not absorbed through the skin, it is usually ingested. Children's exposure to lead can happen through normal hand-to-mouth activity. When small children put their fingers and toys in their mouths they may be ingesting lead.
A lead test is the only way to assess lead levels in your child. In New York state lead tests are required for children ages 1 and 2, but many children do not get the tests. If you are worried that your child has been exposed to lead you can ask your doctor or call the health department to get your child tested.
Be sure to check with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission for a listing of recalled toys by calling (800) 638-2772 or by visiting its Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov. If your child has a toy that has been recalled, take it away from them immediately.
If you have any questions you can contact the lead coordinator at the Health Department by calling 253-1560.
Fire Safety:
Fires during the holiday season are common, but preventable. A common cause of fires this time of year is the Christmas tree.
When selecting a tree check the needles. They should be green and hard to pull back from the branches. If the needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and is a fire hazard. After bringing the tree home, do not place it close to a heat source. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Always keep the tree stand filled with water.
Artificial trees and other decorations should be flame retardant.
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the direction indicate it is safe. Make sure to check the wires periodically, they should not be warm.
Avoid using lit candles. If you use lit candles make sure they are in stable holders. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Check the smoke alarms in your house. They should be equipped with fresh batteries and working properly.
Elane Daly is director of Health and Human Services for
Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us
When shopping this season it is important to be careful of the toys you purchase for children. Toys that have been made in other countries and then imported to the United States or antique toys and collectibles that have been passed down through generations can put children at risk for lead exposure.
Lead can be found in the paint of toys. Lead paint was banned in the United States in 1978, however most of our children's toys are not manufactured here in the states and lead is still found in imported toys. Lead can also be found in toys that are made of plastic. The use of lead in plastics has not been banned in the United States.
Lead is not absorbed through the skin, it is usually ingested. Children's exposure to lead can happen through normal hand-to-mouth activity. When small children put their fingers and toys in their mouths they may be ingesting lead.
A lead test is the only way to assess lead levels in your child. In New York state lead tests are required for children ages 1 and 2, but many children do not get the tests. If you are worried that your child has been exposed to lead you can ask your doctor or call the health department to get your child tested.
Be sure to check with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission for a listing of recalled toys by calling (800) 638-2772 or by visiting its Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov. If your child has a toy that has been recalled, take it away from them immediately.
If you have any questions you can contact the lead coordinator at the Health Department by calling 253-1560.
Fire Safety:
Fires during the holiday season are common, but preventable. A common cause of fires this time of year is the Christmas tree.
When selecting a tree check the needles. They should be green and hard to pull back from the branches. If the needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and is a fire hazard. After bringing the tree home, do not place it close to a heat source. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Always keep the tree stand filled with water.
Artificial trees and other decorations should be flame retardant.
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the direction indicate it is safe. Make sure to check the wires periodically, they should not be warm.
Avoid using lit candles. If you use lit candles make sure they are in stable holders. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Check the smoke alarms in your house. They should be equipped with fresh batteries and working properly.
Elane Daly is director of Health and Human Services for
Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us
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