Surprising Facts: National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

M.C. Millman

There is no safe amount of lead exposure for children, which makes this week, National Lead Poisoning Week, an essential time for education. 

Lead is especially dangerous for young children, as it interferes with brain development and function. Children exposed to lead can have slowed growth, learning or behavior problems, lower IQ, hearing loss, and restlessness. While people of all ages can get lead poisoning, children between the ages of six months and six years are at the highest risk because they often put their hands and toys in their mouths. 

The most common source of lead exposure is lead-based paint and dust particles in houses built before 1978. Cracking, chipping, or peeling paint is harmful, as well as the dust produced from deteriorating lead paint.

Another common source of lead poisoning is lead particles in the air we breathe. 

Drinking water can also contain lead and won't smell or taste any different if contaminated. Learn more on the sources of lead in drinking water and exposure prevention here.

Other possible sources include soil, imported foods -specifically ethnic herbs and spices, and imported children's furniture, toys, and jewelry. For specific products, check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which posts product recalls here.

New York State Public Health Law and Regulations require healthcare providers to test children for lead poisoning at 12 months and again at 24 months. A blood test is the only way to confirm lead poisoning because children may not look or feel sick when they have lower levels of lead in their blood. Common symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, stomach aches, nausea, tiredness, and irritability. 

The number one way to prevent lead poisoning is frequent hand washing to prevent children from swallowing chipped lead paint or lead dust. Wash your child's hands and face after play, meals, and bed. Also, wash children's toys, stuffed animals, and other frequently touched items, and clean floors and window sills often. 

For information about lead poisoning prevention, visit the Rockland County Department of Health's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program here.