Home Safety

What is lead?

Adapted from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used in a wide variety of products including gasoline, paint, plumbing pipes, ceramics, solders, batteries, and cosmetics.Lead was eliminated from all gasoline by 1996 and was banned from house paint in 1978. Its use has been restricted in plumbing materials since 1986.

Currently, lead is primarily found in old paint dust (from homes built before 1978), contaminated soil (from paint dust, car exhaust, and manufacturing pollution), and in contaminated water from water lines that leach lead.

Other potential sources of lead exposure include:

• Products like toys and jewelry.

• Some candies imported from other countries or traditional home remedies.

• Parents may inadvertently bring lead into the home if they are exposed during some jobs or hobbies.

• Aviation gas contains lead. The air and soil near airports may be contaminated with lead as a result.

Why is lead concerning?

Lead is harmful to human health. Children are more susceptible to its lead than are adults. Lead can damage the central nervous system (brain, spinal column, and nerves) and kidneys. There is NO safe level of lead exposure in children.

Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health and cause:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system

• Slowed growth and development

• Learning and behavior problems.

• Hearing and speech problems

This can cause:

• Lower IQ

• Decreased ability to pay attention

• Underperformance in school

Exposure to high levels of lead can cause anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage. Lead passes through the placenta to the unborn infant, so if lead exposure of a pregnant women results in exposure of the fetus as well. Even low levels of lead exposure in pregnancy can have negative impacts on fetal development and impact behavior and intelligence. Prolonged lead exposure may also result in high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and reduced fertility.

How do I protect my child from lead poisoning?

Primary prevention refers for taking actions to avoid your child ever being exposed to lead. See below on this page for information about removing lead from your child's environment

Secondary prevention is an important safety net for children who may have been exposed despite primary prevention measures. This involves screening children for risk and conducted blood tests to determine exposure to lead and allows care providers to determine exposure and risk and to initiate treatment and/or monitor exposure as needed. If you are concerned that your child was exposed to lead, please contact your pediatric care provider right away.

For more information:

Lead poisoning prevention (CDC)

Lead Fact Sheet (CDC)

Parent Need to Know: Lead (AAP)