Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal that interferes with the function of organs such as the kidneys, muscles and brain. While our bodies can eliminate many other toxins through metabolism and excretion, we have no ability to purge lead. Lead exposure in early childhood can cause brain and nervous-system damage, hearing and speech problems, and learning and attention issues that can have long-term impacts.

Children under age 6 are at the highest risk for lead poisoning, because lead exposure at this age can interfere with rapid development and growth processes. Children this young also spend a lot of time crawling on the floor and putting objects in their mouths. The bodies of young children absorb lead at a faster rate than those of adults, so even small amounts of lead can be dangerous to children.

A Preventable Hazard

Fortunately, we have the ability to prevent childhood lead poisoning. Parents can prevent lead exposure by:

·       Learning the most common ways children are exposed to lead.

·       Taking steps to remove those potential sources of exposure.

·       Getting young children’s blood lead levels tested to know for sure whether anything in their environment is exposing them to lead.

The Rappahannock Area Health District and the Virginia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program can help connect parents with resources and public health experts who can help you identify and remediate lead in your household environment.

Where Lead Lurks

Most lead exposure among young children happens in the home. This can come from a number of sources. While lead paint was banned in the U.S. in 1978, it can still be found in nearly half of homes built before that year, and the likelihood of lead paint being present increases with the age of the home. Lead paint poses a danger when it is chipping or peeling, as chips or dust—especially on high-friction surfaces such as entryways and windowsills—can be ingested by children.

In addition to paint in homes, lead can also be found in:

·       Water contaminated with lead from lead service lines and leaded plumbing or fixtures.

·       Soil contaminated by leaded gasoline or lead-based paint around the exterior of a home.

·       Consumer products such as toys and jewelry, especially those that are old, “antique” or imported.

·       Traditional medicines or cosmetics, particularly imported cosmetics such as kohl and sindoor, and some traditional medicines, such as greta or ghasard, used in countries such as India, Mexico and Vietnam.

·       Imported candy and spices.

·       Ceramics or pottery used to serve or store food that is coated with glaze that contains lead.

 

Parents engaging in specific jobs and hobbies can also accidentally bring lead into the home. Jobs in construction or demolition, battery recycling, smelting or working at or visiting a shooting range have the potential for lead exposure. Hobbies such as stained-glass making, hunting or fishing and pottery can also expose individuals to lead.

Tips for reducing exposure in the home include:

·       Wet-wipe and wet-mop around windowsills and entryways daily.

·       Wash children’s hands and toys regularly.

·       Do not allow children to play in bare soil. If they do, wash their hands and clothes immediately.

·       Cook nutrient-dense meals full of iron, calcium and vitamin C. Nutrition deficiencies have been linked with higher lead absorption, and a full stomach absorbs less lead than an empty one.

·       Ask adults who participate in jobs and hobbies that put them at risk for lead exposure to remove their shoes before entering the home, and to change clothes immediately after returning home.

·       When performing renovations, use an EPA-certified lead contractor for all renovation and repair projects that could disturb lead-based paint or other lead hazards in the home. You can learn about state resources to assist with lead abatement costs at dhcd.virginia.gov/lhr.

 

Testing Can Provide Peace of Mind

 

When a child has been exposed to lead, symptoms aren’t always visibly apparent, but the impacts can be long-lasting. By having children’s blood tested for lead exposure, parents can know for sure whether they may have unknown sources of lead in their home environments.

 

Blood lead testing is recommended for children at ages 1 and 2, or up to age 6 if a child has not previously been tested. All children enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid or the WIC program should receive a blood lead test at ages 1 or 2. The earlier you test, and potentially remediate any lead exposure your child may have, the less impact this toxin can have.

Learn more about preventing lead poisoning at vdh.virginia.gov/leadsafe.