Q. My husband and I just moved to the area and bought a 1929 Victorian home that is beautiful but needs a lot of renovation. I am concerned that there might be lead in the paint. My question is how can I keep my children safe while renovating?

A. Before 1978, lead was permitted in both interior and exterior paint, and, once it starts chipping due to age, or when it flakes and chips during renovation, there's danger. Even inhaling dust from lead paint as it's sanded can be harmful.

Lead paint poses a serious issue, and it affects 1.7 million kids under age 5 in this country. The Environmental Protection Agency says that the consequences are serious -- even devastating. They can include: IQ deficiencies, reading and learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention spans, and significant behavior problems. These effects are irreversible -- that's why the emphasis should be on prevention.

Before you begin your renovations, we suggest you consult an experienced professional about appropriate ways to deal with your home's old lead paint. The recommended methods may not always be convenient -- but your kids' health could depend on them.

A related word about lead: Several types of toys have recently been recalled because they've been found to contain lead. Sometimes parents tell us they're reluctant to return the toys to the manufacturer, or to throw them out, because their children are attached to them.

Our advice? We repeat what we said about lead paint: The effects of lead poisoning are irreversible -- and your kids' health could depend on how you deal with the situation. One way or another, get rid of those unsafe toys!