A child peeling old paint off a window frame.Lead exposure is still a real concern, especially for families living in older housing. At Iowa Poison Control Center, we are here to help you understand what lead poisoning is, how you get lead poisoning, and what to do next if you’re worried. 

What Is Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when lead, a toxic heavy metal, slowly builds up in the body over time. Young children are at higher risk because they often crawl on floors and touch windowsills, walls, and railings where lead dust or peeling lead-based paint may be present. Lead poisoning in children is especially serious because it can damage a child’s developing brain and nervous system.

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.

Where is Lead Found?

Many people are surprised by how many everyday places can hide lead. The most common source of lead exposure for children is lead-based paint and lead dust in homes built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use in the U.S. 

Common sources of lead exposure:

  • Lead-based paint and lead dust in older homes (especially around windows, doors, porches, stair rails, and trim) 
  • Soil contamination near older homes and buildings. Lead dust can settle and remain in soil for years 
  • Lead-soldered pipes and older plumbing parts can add lead to drinking water 
  • Work and hobbies that involve lead (renovation, construction, battery work, firing ranges)
  • Some imported items (certain spices, cosmetics, remedies, pottery/cookware, toys, jewelry)

How Do You Get Lead Poisoning?

Most people don’t get lead poisoning from one big event. It’s usually from repeated exposure, such as:

  • Breathing or swallowing lead dust during home repairs or remodeling
  • Touching dusty surfaces (like window sills) and then eating without washing hands
  • Kids putting dusty hands, toys, or paint chips into their mouths
  • Drinking water affected by lead pipes or older fixtures
  • Bringing lead dust home from a job site on clothes, shoes, skin, or tools

Lead Poisoning Symptoms

Lead poisoning effects can be hard to notice. Many people with elevated blood lead levels feel normal at first. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of lead poisoning, especially for children, and to understand that a test may be needed even without symptoms. Talk to your primary healthcare provider to learn more about lead screening and lead poisoning treatments.

Lead poisoning symptoms in children may include:

  • Headaches
  • Vomiting and constipation
  • Developmental delays
  • Learning difficulties or trouble paying attention
  • Irritability
  • Sluggishness and fatigue
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss

Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults may include:

  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Mood changes
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Fertility and pregnancy risks

Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead poisoning prevention is possible. Follow these practical home habits to reduce exposure.

If you live in or visit a home built before 1978:

  • Keep painted surfaces in good shape (fix peeling or chipping paint safely)
  • Wet-mop floors and wet-wipe window areas (dry dusting can spread lead dust)
  • Wash children’s hands often, especially before eating and bedtime
  • Wash toys regularly
  • Eat foods high in iron, vitamin C, and calcium. A healthy diet may help reduce the amount of lead absorbed into the body.
  • Take off shoes at the door to reduce tracked-in soil contamination
  • Keep children away from bare soil; use mulch/grass or a covered sandbox

Renovating?

Home renovation is a common time for lead dust exposure in older housing. Use lead-safe work practices and keep children and pregnant people away from the work area.

Concerned about water?

Consider testing your home’s water if you have older plumbing or suspect lead pipes.

Talk with the Iowa Poison Control Center

If you think you, or your child, may have been exposed to lead, don’t guess. Get clear, expert guidance today.

Call Iowa Poison Control Center 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential help with possible lead exposure, symptoms, and next steps.