- Symptoms of lead poisoning
- Tips to prevent lead poisoning
Lead poisoning happens when lead gets into the body. This can happen from dust, old paint or dirty water. Young children are at higher risk because they may put hands or toys in their mouths.
Testing for lead
A simple blood test can check for lead.
Ask your child’s doctor at the yearly checkup.
When to test:
Before age 2: once before 12 months and again before 24 months.
Under age 6: test each year if your child has never been tested or lives in a place with a higher lead risk.
If you are pregnant or may become pregnant and live in a home built before 1978, ask your doctor about testing.
Symptoms of lead poisoning
You cannot see, taste or smell lead. Most people do not know they were around it. That is why testing is important.
Lead can harm a child’s brain and make learning and behavior harder.
Some possible signs over time are:
- Stomach pain, cramps, constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling very tired
- Headaches
- Tooth problems
- Weak muscles
If you see these signs, call your child’s doctor.
How to prevent lead exposure
The good news: you can lower your child’s risk. Try these steps:
- Older homes: If your home was built before 1978, ask your local health department about checking paint and dust for lead.
- Clean often: In older homes, wipe the things your child touches with warm, soapy water at least once a week.
- Wash up: Wash your child’s hands and toys often, especially after playing outside and before meals.
- Shoes off: Dirt can have lead. Have kids take off shoes after playing outside.
- Avoid peeling paint: Keep children away from peeling paint and painted items they can chew, like windowsills.
- Healthy foods: Give foods with calcium and iron (for example: milk or yogurt if tolerated, beans, leafy greens, eggs, lean meats). These can help block lead from getting into the body.
- Use cold water: In the morning, run cold water for a few minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
- Check recalls: Do not let children play with toys that were recalled for lead.
You can see recalled items on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website: www.cpsc.gov.
Need help?
If you have questions about lead in or around your home, or you are worried about your child’s exposure, talk to your doctor.