Get the Facts
Protect Your Child from Lead Exposure
How much lead dust does it take to harm a child?
Very small amounts – the amount of powder in Sweet and Low
How does lead poison your child?
Lead exposure harms several body systems including the brain, nervous, and reproductive systems.
How can you tell if your child has been exposed?
A blood lead test is the best way to know if your child has been exposed to lead. Most children exposed to lead do not appear to be sick.
VIDEO: What you need to know about lead poisoning and preventing its exposure from the trusted news source, WDIV
Get the Facts about Lead Poisoning
Pregnant?
Sources of Lead
Lead in many homes goes undetected because it’s nearly invisible. The most common sources of lead are lead paint dust in homes, soil, and pipes.
Lead in Your Home
Outlawed in 1978, lead is still present in many homes. Learn how to remove dust and clean surfaces where lead dust is most common.
About Lead
While most exposure to lead in the home is through paint and paint dust, there are other sources of lead including water, soil and even cosmetics, spices, some foods and children’s toys. Exposure can also come from a workplace or hobby and can be directly experienced by you or brought into the home by another.
Impact on Health
Poisoning from lead can cause:
- Developmental and growth delays
- Hearing and speech problems
- Difficulty learning and paying attention
- Serious illness and death
Parents
Lead poisoning is 100% preventable. You may not recognize signs, but you can find out of your child has been exposed through testing: Both your child and your home! If lead is detected, you can make changes in your home- and we have tips on how to do it safely. Finally, support your child with heathy nutrition- and we have info on that too.
Lead Terminology
It’s easy to get confused when learning about something new – here are some resources that explain some of the terminology related to lead exposure, health risks, resources, remediation and legal recourse