What are Some Simple Steps to Reduce a Child’s Exposure to Heavy Metals?  

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pehsu
04/17/2025
  • Lead: The most common source of lead exposure is peeling paint in homes built before 1978. Other sources include some imported spices and cosmetics, water, and some hobbies/occupations. See our Lead page for Families & Communities to learn more. 
  • Mercury: The most common source of mercury exposure is large predator fish. Since fish are an important part of a healthy diet, eat fish but choose wisely to limit mercury. For children age 1 and older, the FDA recommends 2 servings of fish per week from “Best Choices” list of low-mercury fish. 
  • Arsenic: To reduce arsenic in your child’s diet, limit consumption of rice-based foods. If you have well water, ask your local health department if arsenic testing is needed (arsenic can be present in the soil in some areas and can get into well water). 

Examples of Simple Steps to Reduce Heavy Metals from Common Baby Food Products:

Instead of…Try this…
Rice snacks and puffsWhole or pureed fresh fruits and vegetables, or rice-free snacks
Rice cerealA variety of grains and cereals, such as whole grains, oats, multi-grain, barley
Rice-base teething biscuits or rusksA damp washcloth that has been twisted and frozen (tie one end in a knot), massage sore areas with a clean finger
Fruit juiceBabies under 6 months old: breastmilk or formula only
Babies 6 to 12 months old: breastmilk or formula, small amounts of water may be given as they learn to use a cup
Children 12 months old and above: milk and water
Brown riceWhite rice (which has less arsenic than brown). White basmati or sushi rice tends to have the lowest levels of arsenic. Rince rice before cooking and cook in extra water (i.e. 1 cup of rice to 6 cups of water). Consider alternating rice with other grains that are lower in arsenic like grits, barley, farro, and bulgur.

 Overall, provide a diet rich in a variety of whole or pureed fruits and vegetables (was thoroughly with cold water first), lean proteins, and a variety of grains.

Type: Children's Health Issue: Heavy MetalsInfo For: Families & CommunitiesPEHSU: National PEHSUExposure Pathway: Consumer ProductsFoodSoil