Lead poison prevention: a comparative review of brochures

Although eliminating lead from the environment is the most effective way to prevent lead poisoning, outreach and education also must be addressed. This study reports a consensus summary of lead-poisoning prevention topics and reading levels derived from state brochures. This information may be useful in the evaluation and design of future lead prevention brochures. A point system was used to assess the readability and topic content of 20 brochures from 11 states. Only half of the brochures were written at the targeted grade level. Frequently covered topics were wash hands and face, provide foods that contain good sources of key nutrients, and use damp cleaning methods when dusting and mopping. The findings about topics and reading levels can be used throughout the development of lead-hazard prevention brochures.