What is Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning is caused by swallowing or breathing lead. Lead is toxic and can cause brain damage, slowed growth and development, and problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech.
How Does Lead Poisoning Occur?
Children are usually exposed to lead from paint chips and dust from lead paint in older homes. Lead paint was banned in the late 1970s. These paint chips and dust may land on windowsills, the floor, outdoor soil, toys, or their fingers. Children often put their hands and other items in their mouths, and lead poisoning occurs when children put items contaminated with lead dust in their mouths.
Public Health Support
Public Health works with families with children with elevated blood lead levels to reduce the impact of lead poisoning in children. Public Health will provide education and other interventions based on your child's lead level.