How to Prevent Lead Poisoning

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in soil, air, and water. It can also be found in products made with lead. Exposure to lead can be toxic. Lead that is breathed in through the air or swallowed can build up in your body and cause health problems (lead poisoning).

Children younger than 6 years old are at highest risk for lead poisoning because a child’s growing body and developing brain absorb more lead. Lead levels can be measured with a blood test. There is no safe level of lead for children. Lead poisoning can be treated, but it may cause permanent damage, especially in children.

How can lead affect me or others?

In children, lead poisoning can cause slowed growth, learning delays or difficulties, and irritability. Other effects in children can include:

• Poor appetite and weight loss.
• Tiredness.
• Stomachache or vomiting.
• Hearing loss.
• Seizures.

Pregnant women exposed to lead poisoning may have babies that are born early or underweight.

In adults, lead poisoning can cause high blood pressure, kidney damage, and infertility. Other symptoms may include:

• Joint or muscle pain.
• Difficulty remembering or concentrating.
• Mood swings.
• Headache or stomachache.

What can increase the risk of lead poisoning?

A person is more likely to suffer lead poisoning if he or she is exposed to common sources of lead. Young children are especially at risk as they are easily exposed to:

• Lead-based paint. This can be found in buildings built before 1978. Children may eat paint chips or get lead dust on their hands and then put their fingers in their mouth.
• Contaminated soil. Young children may breathe in lead particles if they are playing in dust or soil contaminated with lead.

Other sources of lead poisoning include:

• Water running through lead pipes in old plumbing.
• Drinking or eating from pottery glazed with lead.
• Playing with toys that have lead-based paint.

You can also be exposed to lead through certain jobs or hobbies, including making bullets or lead sinkers, repairing automobiles, making batteries, working with lead pipes, and soldering jewelry or stained glass.

What actions can I take to prevent lead poisoning?

Prevention is the best way to avoid problems from lead. The following tips can help prevent lead poisoning.

Indoors

• Avoid living or spending time in buildings built before 1978. This is especially important for children and pregnant women.
• If you are pregnant, do not spend time in buildings with lead paint that are being cleaned or renovated. Do not let children spend time in the building.
• If you are not sure whether your home has lead paint, ask your local or state health department how to check your home for lead.
• If you think your house may have lead pipes, run cold water for at least one minute before using your water.
• Take off your shoes before entering your house. If you are exposed to lead at work, change your clothes and clean well before going home.
• Damp mop and damp dust all surfaces in your home often. Do not let dust accumulate.

Outdoors

• Wash your hands with soap and water after working with soil. Make sure children wash their hands after playing near dust or soil, especially before meals and at bedtime.
• Wash any toys that have been in dust or soil.
• Do not let children play on bare soil.

General information

• Have your child’s blood tested for lead.
• Do not store food or liquids in any containers that may contain lead.
• Make sure you and your children eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in vitamin C, iron, zinc, and calcium reduces lead absorption.

Where to find more information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov  
• United States Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov  

Contact a health care provider if:

• You or your child has signs or symptoms of lead poisoning.
• You would like to have your blood or your child’s blood tested for lead.

Summary

• Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can build up in your body and cause health problems (lead poisoning).
• Common sources of lead poisoning include contaminated soil, air, and water.
• Children younger than 6 years old are at highest risk for lead poisoning.
• Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage, especially in children.
• Prevention is the best way to avoid problems from lead.