Learn About Lead

What is lead exposure?

 Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can cause serious health issues. Exposure to even small amounts of lead, especially in children, can have long-term effects such as developmental delays, difficulty learning, and behavioral issues. Most people are exposed to lead through ingestion and breathing

lead particles found in common, everyday objects such as toys, older blinds, and paint chips. These effects can be permanent and even disabling. Children are most at risk for lead exposure as they are more likely to ingest lead dust by putting objects that contain lead, such as toys and dirt, in their mouths.

 

What are the health effects of lead exposure?
 

Children: Lead exposure can severely impact a child's developing brain and nervous system, potentially causing learning and behavior problems, slowed growth and development, and even hearing and speech problems. Young children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are still developing, and they tend to put things in their mouths, increasing their risk of ingesting lead dust. 

Adults: While adults may experience some of the same issues as children, such as cognitive and reproductive problems, they are also susceptible to

kidney and heart damage, as well as hearing loss. 

General: High levels of lead exposure can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and even neurological symptoms like headaches, confusion, and seizures. 

 

How are people typically exposed to lead?

Children are typically exposed to lead through hand-to mouth contact such as putting toys or dirt in their mouths. However, lead exposure can come from numerous sources including:

• Chipping or peeling paint in homes or buildings built before 1978

• Contaminated Water from lead pipes

• Contaminated Soil near airports, highways, or factories

• Some imported candies and traditional medicines

• Some imported toys and jewelry

• Certain jobs and hobbies  

Those who live in older buildings are at higher risk of lead exposure. Lead disproportionately affects neighborhoods with older homes, lower family incomes, lower housing values, and higher proportions of minority and immigrant families. A previous study for this grant showed that the major source of lead exposure is through dust paint, miniblinds, and work clothes.
 

Who is most at risk for lead poisoning?

Children living in older homes or from low-income households: Lead paint was banned in 1978. Those who live in houses built before lead paint was banned are at higher risk. Houses in low-income and under-invested areas are also more likely to contain lead due to lead-based paint and lead in pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures. 

Younger children: Children younger than six years old are at a higher risk of lead poisoning and developing long term or even permanent health issues due to their rapidly developing bodies. 

Pregnant women: Women who have been exposed to lead can pass this on to their baby during pregnancy and through breastfeeding. Formula this is prepared using contaminated water can also expose babies to lead.

Certain Work Environments: Some work industries are at higher risk of lead exposure (such as construction workers, and plumbers). Adults working in these industries can also unknowingly expose their families to lead by bringing home lead dust from their work clothes. It is important to take extra precautions to keep family members safe. 


Is some lead exposure okay?

In short, no. The CDC states that there is no safe blood lead level (BLL) in children. Even low levels of lead in children are associated with health and developmental challenges. This is why it is extremely important to test your BLL and that of your children. We are here to help you with testing as a part of our outreach initiative!

 

*information gathered from cdc.gov

Further Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/risk-factors/index.html
https://www.parentcenterhub.org/ohi-lead/#resources