Lead
Lead Poisoning
About one in eleven children in the United States have high levels of lead in their blood. Lead exposure can cause learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing, and even brain damage. If caught early, these effects can be limited by reducing exposure or through medical treatment.
Who Is at Risk?
Children are at greater risk because their bodies and nervous systems are still developing. They also absorb and retain more ingested lead relative to their body weight than adults. Because children frequently put their hands in their mouths, they are more likely to be exposed to lead in dust and soil.
Risk Factors for Children
Children are at increased risk of lead exposure if they:
- Live in or regularly visit buildings built before 1978 with peeling or chipping paint, or where renovation or remodeling is occurring
- Have a sibling, housemate, or playmate being treated for lead poisoning
- Live with an adult who works with or uses lead in hobbies (such as furniture refinishing, auto repair, stained glass, or pottery)
- Live near an active lead smelter, battery recycling plant, or other industry that may release lead
Where Lead May Be Found
- Homes or apartments built before 1978 (lead-based paint)
- Dust and soil
- Tap water
- Ceramic dishes and glazed pottery
- Lead crystal
- Fishing weights
- Cans
- Pencils
- Shotgun shells and lead bullets
- Batteries (lead plates)
- Older drinking fountains or plumbing with lead-based solder
- Imported crayons
- Folk medicines
- Cast iron enamel bathtubs
Symptoms
A person can have lead poisoning without obvious symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may be mistaken for flu or other illnesses.
Possible symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Persistent fatigue
- Stomach discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced attention span
- Insomnia
- Constipation
As more lead accumulates, clumsiness, weakness, and loss of recently acquired skills may occur. Without early treatment, lead exposure can cause long-term or permanent health damage.
What Can I Do?
There are simple steps you can take to protect your family from lead poisoning:
- Get your child tested. Without testing, there is no way to know if a child has lead poisoning.
- Follow CDC testing guidelines:
- Test high-risk children at 6 months
- Test low-risk children at 12 to 15 months
- Follow-up screenings should be completed as recommended
If you have questions about possible lead exposure, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Additional Resources
If you suspect someone has been exposed to lead or has questions about a possible lead poisoning, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.