What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when lead from a child's environment is inhaled or swallowed. Low levels of lead in a child's environment can, over time, result in significant exposure. Before we knew how harmful lead could be, it was used in paint, gasoline, and water pipes.

Lead poisoning affects almost all systems within the body, and at high levels it can cause convulsions, coma, and even death. Lower levels of lead may adversely affect the brain and learning, blood cells, and kidneys.

Lead can severely affect fetuses and young children. It may cause delays in mental development, shortened attention span, lower IQ levels, and increased behavioral problems. Children may be more sensitive to lead because it is more easily absorbed into growing bodies, and children are more likely to get lead dust on their hands and then put their fingers or other objects into their mouths.

What causes lead poisoning?

You may have lead in the dust, paint, or soil in and around your home or building, or it may be in your food or drinking water. Children can swallow lead or breathe lead-contaminated dust if they play in dust or dirt that has lead and then put their fingers or toys in their mouths.

Your child can also be poisoned if she eats without washing her hands or if the water pipes in your home are contaminated.

Lead may also be present in the paint in your home, especially if it was built before 1978. Tiny pieces of chipped paint that are lead-contaminated are dangerous if they are eaten. Places where painted surfaces rub together, such as window and door frames, are also a problem because lead dust is created and inhaled.

Sources and pathways of lead exposure:

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?

You may have lead around your building or home without realizing it because you cannot taste, see, or smell it. Lead does not break down naturally, so it is a problem until it is removed.

Early signs of lead poisoning include:

Serious long-term side effects may include:

How can I prevent lead poisoning in my child?

Keep your home as clean and free from dust as possible.

Take off your shoes before entering the house.

Change out of your work clothes.

Do not sand, scrape, or burn paint (including painted wood) unless you know that it does not contain lead.

Make sure that children wash their hands, especially before eating.

Do not use older, imported, or handmade dishes for serving, preparing, or storing food or drink unless you know that they do not contain lead.

Avoid hobbies that use lead.

Encourage healthy eating habits.

Keep furniture away from damaged paint. Do not place furniture where paint is chipping, peeling, or can be chewed.

Do not use home remedies or cosmetics that contain lead.

How can I get my child and home tested for lead?

Even children who appear healthy may have high levels of lead in their blood. A blood test only takes a few minutes, and results are usually ready within a week.

Home test kits cannot detect small amounts of lead in your home under certain conditions. Ask your local or state health department if they will test your home for lead paint; some departments will test for free.

The only way to know if you have lead in your water is to have it tested. Your local health department or water supplier sometimes are able to test your water for $15 - $20.

Water will have more lead in it if it has been sitting in the pipes for a long period of time, if it is hot, or if it is naturally acidic.

If your water has not been tested, or if you find that your water has high levels of lead:

For more information about lead poisoning and prevention, call: