What Is Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when a person has too much lead in their body. Children, especially toddlers, are at higher risk than adults. As children explore their world by crawling on the floor and reaching for windowsills, railings, and walls, they are more likely to come into contact with peeling lead paint or lead dust and may put lead-contaminated items in their mouths.

Where is Lead Found?

There are many ways a person could be exposed to lead.

Child peeling old paint off window frame

  • Most commonly, exposure occurs when a child is in contact with lead-based paint or lead dust found in homes built before 1978. Lead-based paint is unsafe if it peels, chips, or cracks, or if dust is created during home renovations.
  • Soil around older homes and buildings can be contaminated with lead. Children who play in lead-contaminated soil can be exposed if they put soil in their mouth or breathe in lead dust.
  • A person who works with lead as part of their job or hobby can unknowingly bring lead dust into their home on their body, clothing, and shoes.
  • Traditional medicine, supplements, and cosmetics such as greta, azarcon, pay-loo-ah, kohl.
  • Certain foods, candies, and spices including cinnamon, chili powder, turmeric, and cumin imported from India, Vietnam, and Syria, and other countries.
  • Toys or jewelry made in other countries and imported into the United States, and well as antique, vintage, and collectable items no longer produced in the United States but passed down through generations.
  • Cookware including pressure cookers, pots, and utensils, as well as glazed or painted bowls that have been imported from outside of the United States.
  • Drinking water from lead soldered pipes, faucets, and fixtures in older homes.

Why Should I Be Concerned?

Lead is highly toxic and can cause damage to vital organs within the body. Even small amounts of lead can be harmful to children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no safe level of lead in a child’s body.

What are the Symptoms of Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning can cause headaches, stomachaches, developmental delays, learning difficulties, and more. Some children with lead poisoning are easily excited, have problems paying attention, or are more tired than usual. Most children with lead poisoning do not show any signs of illness. A blood test is the only way to know if a person has lead poisoning. Talk to your primary healthcare provider to learn more about testing.

How is Lead Poisoning Prevented?

There is good news! Lead Poisoning is preventable! Follow these tips to help reduce exposure:

  • If you live in or frequently visit homes built before 1978:
    • Check for paint that may be chipping or peeling.
    • Clean high-risk areas, including windowsills and floors, with a wet disposable cloth or mop to remove paint chips or lead dust.
    • Discourage children from playing in soil that may be contaminated.
    • Wash children’s hands frequently, especially before eating.   
    • Eat foods high in iron, vitamin C, and calcium. A healthy diet may help reduce the amount of lead absorbed into the body.
    • Renovate Safely! Have the home checked for lead-based paint and other lead-based hazards before renovations begin.

  • If you work with lead as part of a job or hobby, follow these steps to stay safe.
  • Steer clear of products that could contain lead.
  • Consider having your home's water tested and follow recommendations based on the result.