Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can cause negative health effects. People are exposed to lead by eating lead chips, ingesting contaminated food or water and breathing in lead dust. Children younger than 6 years are more likely to be exposed to lead dust due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. Many children ingest lead dust by putting objects such as toys and dirt in their mouth. Because of their developing nervous system, children younger than 6 years old are particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure since lead is easily absorbed in their nervous system. No safe Blood Lead Level (BLL) in children has been identified and even low levels of lead in blood can cause developmental delays, difficulty learning, behavioral issues and neurological damage. The effects of lead poisoning can be permanent and disabling.
There are steps that parents and health care providers can take to protect children from lead exposure. All children are required to undergo lead testing regardless of exposure. CDC uses a Blood Lead Reference Value (BLRV) of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) to identify children with BLLs higher than most children’s levels. CDC estimates that approximately 500,000 children in the United States have BLLs at or above the BLRV. For BLLs higher than the BLRV, health care providers can use CDC’s Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level to develop a plan of action for their patient.
Where Children Are Exposed
Children can be exposed to lead where they live, learn, and play. Sources of lead exposure can include the following:
- Chipping or peeling paint in homes or buildings built before 1978.
- Water from lead pipes.
- Soil near airports, highways or factories.
- Some imported candies and traditional medicines.
- Some old or imported toys and jewelry.
- Certain jobs and hobbies.
The higher the amount of lead in the body, the more severe the symptoms are. Severe cases can cause seizures, paralysis and coma. The goal of CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) is to prevent childhood lead exposure before any harm occurs. Through CLPPP, CDC supports state and local public health departments with funds for surveillance and prevention of lead exposure.
To find more information on lead exposure and testing in Indiana, visit the Indiana Department of Health: Lead and Healthy Homes page for parents and caregivers.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/about/index.html