Lead (for Families & Communities)

Children may be exposed to lead by consuming peeling lead-based paint or dust or soil that has lead. Dishes or glasses may contain lead, and food or water may contain lead. Imported spices, powders, or candies from other countries may also have lead. Some toys may also contain lead paint.

Household dust, soil, food, and water supplied through lead pipes, can all contain lead. Some toy jewelry and old toys made in the United States can also contain lead. 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. before the 1990s also contain lead. Older, vinyl mini-blinds and imported aluminum cans may contain lead. Parents or caregivers who work in construction jobs may also bring home lead in dust on their clothing or shoes.

Most children with elevated lead levels do not have symptoms right away but may develop problems as the lead levels rise. Children may have headaches, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or constipation. Other signs can include clumsiness, irritable mood, drowsiness, vomiting, and seizures.

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. Run the water in your faucet for up to 2 minutes before drinking or drawing water. This is especially important when preparing baby formula. Use only cold tap water 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. The NSF International provides voluntary certifications on specific water filter products. Purchase lead-free faucets and plumbing parts. 

Lead and other heavy metals can occur naturally in soil used to grow food. Lead can also get into food through pesticides, food manufacturing, and packaging. Baby food products such as rice or rice-based foods (e.g., rice puffs, rice cereal), vegetables (e.g., sweet potatoes), and fruit juices, may contain lead or heavy metals. Parents can reduce heavy metals in their child’s diet with simple steps. Limit rice-based products and fruit juices. Feed your child a variety of health foods. Examples are 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. 

Many young children spend significant time in childcare settings and schools. According to the EPA, childcare centers and schools may be more at risk for higher amounts of lead in their drinking water. Because schools are closed over weekends and holidays breaks, lead in pipes have more time to absorb into water sources. There are no federal laws requiring lead testing of drinking water in schools that receive water from public water systems. However, 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, your PEHSU, or your local health department.