Where to Look for Lead in Your Home

Even relatively low levels of lead exposure can impair a child’s cognitive development. The Lorain County area has an elevated risk for lead in its housing stock.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23 to 29. LCCAA Head Start offers blood tests for lead exposure annually and refers families for treatment as needed.

Children with higher blood lead levels can experience delayed growth and development, damage to the brain and nervous system, learning and behavior problems and other health-related problems.

In homes, lead can be found in old paint, water and soil. Lead in household paints was outlawed in 1978. When the paint peels or cracks, the chips or dust can be ingested by children. Some pipes, also in older homes, may contain lead that can get into drinking water.

Lead particles from exterior lead-based paint, leaded gasoline and other consumer products can settle in soil and last for years. Children can be exposed to lead in soil by swallowing or breathing in lead-contaminated soil while playing. This soil can also get on shoes and clothes and be brought into the home. Vegetables grown in contaminated soil may also contain traces of lead.

Lead can also be found in consumer products ranging from ceramics to toys. Other countries have different regulations so imported products may have higher lead levels. Some jobs and hobbies may also involve lead exposure.

In addition to blood tests for your child, testing is available for your home. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/ nceh/lead/.