Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning happens when your child is affected by high levels of lead exposure. Lead poisoning is usually caused by eating or drinking (ingesting) lead, but touching or breathing in the toxic metal can also cause it. Lead poisoning is when any detectable amount of lead is found in your child’s blood.

Lead can affect many parts of your child’s body, including their brain, nerves, blood, digestive organs and more. While lead poisoning can affect anyone, it’s especially dangerous in children. It can damage your child’s nervous system, brain and other organs. Lead poisoning can also lead to severe health, learning and behavioral problems, including sudden brain damage and long-term intellectual deficits.

What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring poisonous metal found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. It’s a toxic element that can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Lead is especially dangerous to babies and young children. It can harm them even before they’re born.

Where is lead found?

Lead is most commonly found in lead paint. Children who live in older houses with peeling lead paint or lead pipes are often affected. Lead can also contaminate:

• Herbal remedies or medicines.
• Toys and candies from foreign countries.
• Stained glass.
• Leaded crystal glassware.
• Glazed ceramic ware, including plates, pitchers and cups.

When was lead paint banned?

The United States banned lead-based paint in 1978. Before then, lead paint was used inside and outside houses. Older paint cracks and peels easily. When it cracks, it releases microscopic pieces of lead dust into the air. Sanding or scraping the walls of an old house in preparation for a remodel can also release the lead dust.

This lead dust settles on the ground and everything around it. Children can become exposed to lead by putting objects in their mouths or by touching objects containing lead dust and then putting their hands in their mouths.

Since the ban of lead-based paint, lead poisoning cases have dropped. But it’s still a major public health issue in certain areas of the country where older homes are located.

Who does lead poisoning affect?

Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but babies and children under the age of 6 are most at risk because their bodies are still developing. Because their bodies are still growing, their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the harmful effects of lead. In addition, babies and young children tend to pick up objects and put them in their mouths more frequently. These objects could be contaminated with lead.