Lead Poisoning questions

What is Lead Poisoning ?
Who is at risk ?
What are the effects ?
How do I know if my child has lead poisoning ?
What are the primary sources of lead exposure ?
How are children exposed ?
How can lead exposure be prevented ?

WHAT IS LEAD POISONING?
A blood level greater than 10 - 20 micrograms of lead in a deciliter of blood.

WHO IS AT RISK?

• Children 6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies are growing quickly.
• Children from all social and economic strata can be affected.
• Children living in older, poorly maintained homes or older, improperly renovated or remodeled homes have an increased risk.
• Children regularly exposed to lead and have a diet low in calcium and iron have an increased risk.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?

• Slowed physical development
• Learning or behavior problems
• Lowered intellect or IQ
• Hearing loss
• Brain, liver and kidney damage
• Death

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS LEAD POISONING?
Unless the blood-lead levels are very high, most children do not show outward signs. If you suspect your child has had repeated exposure to products containing lead or lead contaminated dust and dirt, the only way to know is to have a blood test.

WHAT IS THE PRIMARY SOURCES OF LEAD EXPOSURE?

• Deteriorating lead-based paint
• Lead contaminated dust
• Lead contaminated residential soil

HOW ARE CHILDREN EXPOSED?
For children under 6:

• Ingestion of lead paint dust and contaminated dirt on their hands, food or drink. Children may absorb 30% to 75% of ingested lead in their digestive tract.
• Inhalation of dusts and vapors that contain lead.

HOW CAN LEAD EXPOSURE BE PREVENTED?
Find the sources of lead in your home.

• In the Home:
  • Check and remove peeling paint and chips from the home.
  • Children should not be present when scraping or cleaning up paint chips.
  • Dust should be kept to a minimum by damp mopping floors and using wet cloths to clean walls,window sills and other painted surfaces.
  • Discourage children from playing in bare soil that may contain lead.
• Eating a good Diet:
  • Provide meals high in calcium and iron.
  • Avoid fatty foods.
• Hand washing routine. Hand washing is important because children may absorb 30% to 75% of ingested lead in their digestive tract and up to 50% of lead may be absorbed through the lungs. Hands should be washed:
  • Before meals.
  • After playing outside or on the floor.
• Additional Action Steps that can be taken to make a Lead Free environment.