Lead Poisoning

Prevention

Tips

• Lead is a toxic element, especially in young
children. When absorbed into the body, it can
result in damage to the brain and nervous sys-
tem, learning and behavior problems, slow
growth and development, and hearing and
speech problems.

Lead poisoning is preventable!

Lead can be found inside and outside the home.
The most common source of exposure is from
lead-based paint, which was used in many homes
built before 1978.

Lead can also be found in drinking water. The
most common sources of lead in drinking water
are lead pipes, faucets and fixtures.

You can take simple steps to protect family
members from lead poisoning, such as eating a
healthy diet, regularly cleaning the home, washing
children's hands and toys often and wiping shoes
before entering the home.

If you live in a home built before 1978, a certified
inspector or risk assessor can be hired to check
your home for lead-based paint or lead-based
paint hazards. Many communities have free
resources to assist with home assessments and
removal of lead hazards. Contact your local health
department or community development corpora-
tion for information.

By the numbers

About 3.6 million American households have
children under 6 years of age who live in homes
with lead hazards. According to the CDC, over
500,000 American children between the ages of 1
and 5 have blood lead levels at or above the CDC
blood lead reference value (the level at which
CDC recommends public health actions begin).

Get your home tested

If your home was built before 1978, you can get it
tested for lead-based paint by obtaining:

•	A lead-based paint inspection that tells you if
your home has lead-based paint and where it
is located.

•	A lead risk assessment that tells you if
your home currently has any lead hazards
from paint, dust or soil, and where they are
located.

Could your child be exposed
to lead?

Here are important facts to know about
exposure and its potentially harmful

Children can become exposed to lead by:

•	Putting their hands or other lead-
contaminated objects in their mouths

•	Inhaling or ingesting lead-contaminated dust

•	Playing in lead-contaminated soil

•	Eating imported candies or food made with
lead-containing imported spices

Some children are at greater risk for lead expo-
sure than others, including those who are:

•	From low-income families

•	Living with adults whose jobs or hobbies
involve working with lead

•	Members of racial-ethnic minority groups

•	Recent immigrants

•	Living in older, poorly maintained rentals

• Free resources available in some areas to
assist in home repairs. Contact your local
health department.

Get your child tested

Act early to get your child tested for lead.
Consult your health care provider for advice on
blood lead testing or your health department for
more information.

United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

Call EPA Region 7 toll-free at 800-223-0425
or visit epa.gov/lead
#LeadFreeKids

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