FAQ

Timeline of Lead
FAQ

Q: What are the effects of lead poisoning?

A: Children under the age of 6 suffer the greatest detriment from lead poisoning because their bodies and brains are developing rapidly. Lead poisoning can cause developmental problems even at low levels of exposure. Some of the effects include: Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Hyperactivity, Speech Delay, Hearing Loss, Violent Behavior and extremely high levels of exposure may result in servere cognitive disabilities, coma and even death.

Q: How can I tell if my child is lead poisoned or at risk for lead poisoning?

If your child spends time in a house, apartment or daycare facility built before 1978 they are at risk for lead exposure. Most children do not show symptoms until they are severely poisoned. Therefore it is important to have children tested for lead throughout their childhood. If you answer ‘I don’t know’ or yes to any of the following questions you should have your child tested for lead poisoning.

• Has your child ever lived in or stayed at a home or daycare that is more than 20 years old?
• Does your child play or have contact with other children that have been diagnosed with lead poisoning?
• Does your child lick, eat or chew things that are not food like paint chips, dirt, railings, furniture, toys or the crib?
• Does you child live with someone who:
• Fixes cars?
• Works with scrap metal?
• Spay paints boats, bridges or tunnels?
• Demolishes or remodels old buildings or homes?
• Have you or your child ever lived in another country?

Q: Are children the only group at risk?

A. No. Pregnant women are also at risk. Lead can pass through the placenta and harm a prenatal child. Elevated blood lead levels in pregnant women can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or low birth weight.

Q: Where is lead most often found?

A: Chipping, peeling, flaking, and worn paint, inside and outside the home (window sills, door frames, ceilings, floors, porches, etc) pose the greatest risk for lead exposure. Lead dust generated by opening and closing windows, from friction surfaces like doors or chewable surfaces like banisters and old cribs are responsible for poisoning many children.

B: Lead dust is very fine and sticky. Children get this dust on their hands and then ingest it when they put their hands in their mouths. Lead will accumulate in the body over time so even ingesting very small amounts can poison a child over time.

C: Lead can be brought in from outside of the home. Lead dust from demolition can settle in sandboxes and exposed dirt. Children playing in these areas can get the dirt and dust onto their hands, under their fingernails, on their toys, etc. It is important that ‘outside’ toys are washed frequently.

D: Lead is also present in water. Lead solder and some lead pipes will leach lead into the water we drink. Always let your water run for 30 seconds before use. Always use cold water when preparing food and especially when preparing baby formula.