Lead (for Families & Communities)

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health issue lead

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Health effects can include reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention problems, executive function disorders, and behavioral concerns.

The Good News: Lead poisoning is preventable. 

Lead pipe with water

0

The goal amount of lead exposure in children– there is NO safe level of lead exposure in children. 

6

Children 6 years of age and younger, along with pregnant women, are the most vulnerable to lead exposure. 

500,000

The number of children in the U.S. that CDC estimates have a higher level of lead in their blood compared with most children. (1)

In Your Environment

How Are Children Exposed to Lead?

Children may be exposed to lead by ingesting peeling lead-based paint or lead contaminated dust or soil, from dishes or glasses that contain lead, eating and drinking food or water containing lead (i.e., imported spices, powders, or candies), or from playing with toys with lead paint.

Where is Lead Found?

Lead can be found in household dust, soil children accidentally ingest, food contaminated by lead, and water supplied through lead pipes. It can also be found in some toy jewelry and old toys made in the United States and some imported toys painted with lead-based paint, along with some vinyl and plastic toys have lead added as a softener. Some imported ceramics and glazed dishes made in the U.S. prior to the 1990s also contain lead. Other potential sources include older, vinyl mini-blinds and imported aluminum cans with soldered seams, and occupational take home exposures (e.g., construction jobs).  

What to Look For

What are the Signs of Lead Poisoning?

Most children with elevated lead levels do not have symptoms right away. Leads , but may develop problems w As the lead levels rise, children may complain of non-specific symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or constipation, signs of clumsiness, agitation, decreased activity and drowsiness, vomiting, stupor, and convulsions. 

Actions to Take

What can families and communities do to lower their exposure to lead in the home?

Remove any sources of lead in your home: use wet methods to clean up dust with lead, clean often around windows and play areas, and wet mop floors often. Wash hands and toys often with soap and water. If you have concerns about lead in drinking water, contact your local health department. Flush water pipes for up to 2 minutes before drinking or drawing water, this is especially important when preparing baby formula. Use only the cold water tap for drinking, cooking, and especially for making baby formula. Regularly clean faucet aerators to clear out particles of lead trapped in the aerator. Use a faucet filter or pitcher to remove lead from water. Families can find specific water filter products and useful sources of information on filtering drinking water. The NSF International provides voluntary certifications on specific water filter products. Purchase lead-free faucets and plumbing parts. 

What can families and communities do to prevent exposure to lead in children’s food?

Lead and other heavy metals can occur naturally in soil used to grow food or can get into food through pesticides, food manufacturing, and packaging. This can lead to small amounts of heavy metals in some baby food products such as rice, rice-based foods (e.g., rice puffs, rice cereal), vegetables (e.g., sweet potatoes), and fruit juices. Parents can reduce heavy metals in their child’s diet with simple steps such as feeding them a variety of foods and limiting rice-based products and fruit juices. Feed your child healthy meals with foods like milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables, peanut butter, beans, cereals, oranges, and peppers. Foods with vitamin C, iron, and calcium may help keep lead out of the body. 

What can schools or childcare centers do to lower children’s exposure to lead?

Many young children spend significant time in childcare settings and schools. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), childcare facilities, schools, among other types of buildings, may have a higher potential for elevated lead levels in their drinking water because they are closed over weekends, holidays, and extended breaks during which lead in pipes and other fixtures can leach into the water. There are no federal laws requiring lead testing of drinking water in schools that receive water from public water systems, though the public water systems are regulated by the EPA. If you have concerns about lead at your child’s child care or school, contact your child’s pediatrician, the PEHSU, or your local health department.  

References:

  1. CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/about/index.html
Resources for Health Professionals
Podcast

Lead Exposure in Children with Marissa Hauptman MD, MPH, FAAP & Nick Newman, DO, MS, FAAP

Listen to our PEHSU experts Marissa Hauptman MD, MPH, FAAP (Region 1) & Nick Newman, DO, MS, FAAP (Region 5) discuss lead exposure in children on Pediatric Environmental Health Radio Episode 1.

Listen to the Episode
PEHSU Experts:
Marissa Hauptman, MD, MPH, FAAP
Marissa Hauptman MD, MPH, FAAP (Region 1)
Nick Newman, DO, MS
Nick Newman, DO, MS, FAAP (Region 5)
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View a factsheet with more detailed guidance on the clinical management of lead during pregnancy and lactation here (from Region 10). 

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eLearning Courses on Lead

View eLearning courses on lead here from the PEHSU National Classroom. 

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