What is lead and why is it dangerous?
Lead is a metal that was routinely used in paint, varnish, plumbing, ceramics, and other household items until 1978. Lead can also be found in dust hobbies or jobs, including welding, making stain glass windows, and ammunition re loading.
​As lead paint ages it typically peels, flakes, or turns into dust. Children will then breathe in the dust, or ingest the chips that fall from the walls​. This then leads to neuro/developmental issues, especially with behavior, learning, and attention.
Who is most at risk for lead?Â
Children absorb 4-5x the amount of lead than the average adult. This is because children have strong tendencies to put everything in their mouths (windowsills with lead paint/varnish, items that fall on the floor, etc.). Their metabolism is much quicker than that of adults. They also do not consume as much of the foods that help block lead absorption.
What do I do if my home may have lead?Â
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Avoid renovations with children present.
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Don’t sweep or vacuum lead dust—use damp cleaning instead.
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Shower and change clothes before contact with children if exposed to lead.
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Cover lead areas with paint, duct tape, or cardboard.
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Clean toys, hands, and surfaces often.
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Hire certified lead abatement contractors.
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Eat foods rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C to reduce lead absorption.
How do I know if my child has lead poisoning?Â
It is crucial that everyone get their child tested for lead at one year of age, especially if the home was built before 1978.
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