If you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, you and your family could be exposed to lead-based paint and its health risks. Such paint is a hazard if chipped, cracked or turning chalky. Painting over it won’t eliminate the problem.

If you think there may be lead-based paint in or around your home, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-LEAD-FYI to learn what you can do about it. Or look in the yellow pages under “lead” for a qualified professional who can remove, seal, or enclose the lead-based paint hazards.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking these 5 precautions:

1. Clean up all peeled off paint chips with a wet towel or mop.

2. Wash commonly used household surfaces weekly with a sponge or mop, warm water, and an all-purpose cleaner.

3. Wash sponges and mops thoroughly after they’re used on lead-based paint.

4. Make sure that children keep their hands clean, especially at meals, naps, and bedtimes.

5. Clean play areas, toys, and pacifiers regularly. Feed your children a diet low in fat and high in iron and calcium, which will slow their bodily absorption of lead.