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.
- 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.
- 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.