Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in the earth that can be harmful to your health. Lead poisoning can occur when a person gets lead in their body, mainly from ingesting or breathing in lead.
People are exposed to lead through a variety of sources including:
- Lead-based paint
- Contaminated soil
- Contaminated water and food
- Certain jobs and hobbies
Lead exposure often goes unnoticed because people may not have any obvious symptoms and appear healthy. The best way to know if you or your family has been exposed to lead is to have their blood tested.
Children under the age of 6 are more susceptible to the effects of lead. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s health.
Lead poisoning is preventable.
It is important for everyone, including parents and caregivers, healthcare providers, and public health officials, to be aware of potential lead exposures and remove the lead hazard before it occurs.
There are no safe levels of lead in the blood.
Any Amount of Lead is too Much
Get Your Children Tested to Prevent Lead Poisoning
Lead information
Younger children. Children less than six years old are at higher risk for lead poisoning because their bodies absorb more lead than adults. The brain and nervous system are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Children can swallow leaded dust when putting their hands, toys, or other objects in their mouth with lead on them.
Children from low-income households. The greatest risk factor for lead exposure are children from low-income households that live in homes built before 1978, the year lead paint was banned.
Pregnant women. Pregnant women can pass lead to their baby during pregnancy as a result from current or past exposures. Lead can be stored in the bones of adults which can be released into the blood during pregnancy. Lead in the blood during pregnancy can increase risk for miscarriage, premature birth, or hurt the development of the baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system.
Adults who work in industries or have hobbies that expose them to lead. Working in some industries or participating in certain hobbies can put some adults at risk for lead exposure. This may include working in construction, painting, renovating old homes, or making stained glass. Lead dust can be brought home with them on their clothes or skin and then tracked onto carpets, floors, furniture, or other surfaces that a child may touch.
Immigrant and refugee children. Immigrant and refugee children from developing countries are at higher risk of being exposed to lead due to less strict rules protecting children from lead in their country of origin.
Exposure to lead can occur from a variety of sources including where you live, learn, play, and work. Sources of lead exposure can include:
Homes and buildings built before 1978.
Homes and buildings built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Maintain all surfaces painted with lead-based paint in good condition. Surfaces not in good condition and are peeling, chipping, or cracking may create lead paint chips and dust, should be repaired immediately. Surfaces may wear due to rubbing or friction, such as windows, doors, floors, porches, stairways, and cabinets, are more likely to create lead dust.
Drinking water. Homes or buildings built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder. Drinking water must be tested to know if lead is present. Lead cannot be tasted, seen, or smelled if present.
Contaminated soil. Soil can be contaminated with lead due to the use of leaded gasoline, exterior lead-based paint, and other industrial sources. Exposure can occur when swallowing or breathing in lead-contaminated soil while playing, recreating, or gardening. Soil can be contaminated with lead due to:
- Old paint chips falling to the ground from homes that contain lead-based paint.
- Leaded gasoline.
- Historical mining sites or smelting sites.
- Areas close to industrial sites, such as smelters and auto repair facilities, that can release lead into the environment.
Artificial turf. Some artificial turfs may contain lead in the turf fibers. Newer fields are less likely to be a concern for exposure, however, as the turf ages and weathers, lead is released in dust that could be ingested or inhaled.
Jobs that may involve exposure to lead. Some industries are at increased risk for lead exposure. Adults working in these jobs may bring lead home with them and expose others in their household. Examples of these jobs include:
- Abatement and clean-up of residential and commercial building, steel structures, or environmental sites
- Demolition of buildings and structures.
- Manufacturing of products containing or coated with lead (e.g. metal equipment parts, batteries, bullets).
- Fabrication of artistic or individual products (e.g. mixing or applying leaded ceramic glaze, glasswork, and stained-glass windows).
- Melting of products containing lead (e.g. secondary smelting (scrap metal), incinerators, foundries/casting)
- Painting or sanding industrial equipment and steel structures (e.g. Bridges and water towers).
- Industrial mineral processing activities, such as mining, extraction, or smelting.
- Recycling materials (e.g. stripping electronics).
- Repair, renovation, remodeling, and/or painting of residential and commercial buildings.
- Use of firearms or working at a firing range (e.g. law enforcement, military, private industry, and training).
- Welding and cutting (small scale melting).
Hobbies that may involve exposure to lead hazards. Some hobbies are at increased risk for lead exposure. Individuals who participate in these hobbies may bring lead home with them and expose others in their household. Examples of these jobs include:
- Casting or soldering (e.g. bullets, fishing weights, stained glass.)
- Conducting home renovation, repair, remodeling, or painting (in structures built before 1978.)
- Consuming complementary, alternative, or traditional medicines or using cosmetics or ceremonial powders that may contain lead.
- Drinking home-distilled liquids (e.g. moonshine).
- Mixing or applying glaze or pigments containing lead.
- Using firearms including when bullet reloading, shooting at indoor ranges, and shooting at outdoor ranges.
Foods, cosmetics, and medicines that may contain lead. Certain foods, cosmetics, and traditional medicines imported from other countries may contain lead. Lead in a product cannot be seen or tasted and people selling these items may not know if the products contain lead.
Some candies imported from Mexico with ingredients such as chili powder and tamarind may contain lead. Lead can get into candy when drying, storing, and grinding the ingredients are done improperly. Ink from plastic or paper candy wrappers may also contain lead. Lead has also been found in certain spices imported from countries such as Vietnam, India, and Syria. Traditional Sources of Lead Exposures in Immigrant Populations
Lead in medical products.
Lead can be found in products, such as powders and tablets, used for upset stomachs, arthritis, colic, and other illnesses. Lead and other heavy metals may be added into the products during grinding, coloring, or from the package. These products were traditionally used by East Indian, Indian, Middle Eastern, West Asian, and Hispanic cultures.
Examples of products that may contain lead include:
- Ba-baw-san is a Chinese herbal remedy used to treat colic pain or to calm young children.
- Daw Tway, a digestive aid used in Thailand and Myanmar.
- Greta and Azarcon (also known as alarcon, coral, luiga, maria luisa, or rueda) are Hispanic traditional medicines taken for an upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Ghasard, a fold medicine used in India.
- Traditional Sources of Lead Exposures in Immigrant Populations
Lead in cosmetic products.
Lead can be found in products used as cosmetics or in items used in religious ceremonies, examples include:
- Kohl, kajal, surma, tiro, tozali, and kwalli.
- Sindoor, which can be used as a food additive or cosmetic, may contain up to 87% lead.
- Traditional Sources of Lead Exposures in Immigrant Populations
Lead in consumer products. Lead can be found in some consumer products including:
- Consumer products made in other countries and then exported into the United States.
- Older toys and collectibles made in the United States before lead based paint was banned in 1978.
- Jewelry, including children’s jewelry, may contain lead to make the product heavier or brighten colors. This can be a hazard to children from chewing, sucking on, or swallowing the jewelry.
Antique and vintage products that have been passed down from generation to generation or purchased as places such as thrift stores, antique stores, garage sales, or online. Items may include:
- Dishware
- Painted tin panels
- Lead crystal pieces
- Ceramic items
- Silverware
- Jewelry
- Furniture
Living Near an Airport. Children who live near airports may be exposed to lead in the air and soil from aviation gas used in piston engine aircrafts.
Children, particularly under the age of six, are at higher risk for lead poisoning because their bodies absorb more lead than adults do. The brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. In addition, children often swallow leaded dust after placing their lead-contaminated hands or other objects in their mouth.
Common Sources of Lead for Children
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, factories, or known contaminated sites
- Some imported candies and traditional medicines
- Some imported toys and jewelry
- Certain jobs and hobbies
All Children Can Be Exposed to Lead
Signs and Symptoms of Lead Exposure in Children
Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms and can appear healthy. Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning can be vague and include:
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint weakness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Feeling tired
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
If parents believe their children have been exposed to lead, they should talk to their healthcare provider about receiving a blood lead test. A blood lead test is the best way to assess a person’s exposure to lead.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure in Children
Exposure to lead can be harmful to a child’s health, even at low levels. Once a child swallows lead, their blood lead level can increase. Over time, the body starts to remove lead through urine, sweat, and feces, however lead stored in bones can take decades to decrease.
Adverse health effects of lead exposure include:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system.
- Slowed growth and development
- Learning and behavior problems
- Health and speech problems
This can cause:
- Lower IQ
- Decreased ability to pay attention
- Underperformance in school.
Many things affect how a child’s body handles exposures to lead, including the following:
- Child’s age
- Nutritional status
- Source of lead exposure
- Length of time the child was exposed
- Presence of other underlying health conditions
Adults are at risk for lead poisoning, especially when working in jobs or engaging in hobbies where lead exposure may occur. Signs and symptoms of adults may include:
- High blood pressure
- Joint and muscle pain
- Difficulties with memory or concentration
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Mood disorders
- Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth in pregnant women
Individuals at risk for lead exposure should talk to their healthcare provider about receiving a blood lead test. A blood lead test is the best way to assess a person’s exposure to lead.
Most individuals with any lead in their blood do not have any obvious symptoms. A blood lead test is the only way to find out if a person has lead in their blood. If lead exposure has suspected, talk with your medical provider to discuss getting a blood lead test.
There are two types of blood lead tests:
A finger-prick or heel-prick (capillary test)
- Often used as the first step to determine if a child has lead in their blood.
- Provide results quickly.
- Higher blood lead levels can result if lead is on the skin is captures in the blood sample.
- Any blood lead level at or above the CDC’s blood lead reference value of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or above, should be followed by a second test to confirm.
A venous blood draw
- Takes blood from the person’s vein.
- Results may take days to receive.
- Often used to confirm blood lead levels seen in the first capillary test.
- More reliable at identifying lower blood lead levels than capillary samples, especially at lower levels.
When to Test Children
Blood lead testing should occur in children:
- At ages 12 months and 24 months
- When at risk for lead exposure, including:
- Live or spend time in a house or building built before 1978.
- Are from low-income households.
- Are immigrants, refugees, or recently adopted from less developed countries.
- Live or spend time with someone who works with lead.
- Live or spend time with someone who has hobbies that expose them to lead.
- Answering “yes” or “does not know” to any of the questions on Idaho Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire.
- The best way to know if a child has been exposed to lead is through a blood lead test.
- Talk with your medical provider about if a blood lead test in needed.
- Early testing and removal of the lead source are key to reducing potential long-term health effects of lead exposure.
Follow-up Actions
If you child has lead in their blood above the CDC blood lead reference value, their doctor may recommend follow-up services. These may include:
- Identifying the source of lead and removing lead from the child’s environment.
- Feeding the child a diet high in iron and calcium.
- Receive follow-up blood lead testing.
- Connecting the child to early educational services.
- Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level
Here are many steps that can be done help reduce exposures to lead.
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN!
- Parents and children should wash their hands before eating and sleeping.
- After playing outside.
Keep Lead Out of Your Home
- Remove shoes and dirty clothing before entering your home, especially if engaging in an activity in which lead exposure may have occurred.
- Clean play areas, toys, and toy containers often. If toys come from outside, clean them before bringing them inside.
- Keep children and pregnant women away from any surface or item that contains lead.
If Your Home Was Built Before 1978:
Older homes are more likely to have lead-based paint if they were built before 1978. Recommendations include:
- Maintain paint in good condition. Keep the paint inside and outside from chipping, peeling, or flaking.
- Prevent paint chips from falling onto the ground and contaminating the soil.
- Obtain a lead paint inspection and/or a risk assessment to find out whether there is lead in your home.
Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP)
Renovating, repairing, and painting lead-based paint can create leaded dust or paint chips to contaminate the area placing individuals at risk. When conducting any renovations, repairs, or painting projects:
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires certified lead-safe contractors are hired for:
- Working in homes, childcare centers, and preschools built before 1978,
- Working in rental homes built before 1978, or
- Renovating and reselling homes for profit.
- Lead-based Paint Professionals Locator
- Does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects on their own homes. If you decide to do the work your-self:
- Use lead-safe work practices for do-it-yourself home renovation projects to protect you and your family.
- Keep children and pregnant women away from housing undergoing renovation and from activities that may disturb old paint.
- Clean up paint after work is completed or where deteriorating lead-based paint may have contaminated soil.
- Create barriers between living/play areas and lead sources until environmental clean-up is completed, such as:
- Use of contact paper or duct tape to cover holes in walls or temporarily block children’s access to sources of lead.
- Use of shrubs or other barriers such as mulch or wood chips to prevent children from playing in bare soil.
How to Clean Homes with Lead-Based Paint
- Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to prevent the redistribution of dust into the home when possible.
- Use a wet mop and use a damp cloth to dust weekly.
- Clean mops and clothes after each use.
How to Reduce Lead In Drinking Water
- Test water at an analytical laboratory. You cannot taste or smell lead in water and testing is the only way to confirm the presence of lead.
- Run the water for a few minutes to flush out any lead that may have accumulated from sitting in the pipes.
- Use cold water for eating and drinking. Hot water is more likely to contain lead.
- Use a water filter that are certified to remove lead. Boiling or treating your water will not remove lead.
Check for Food and Product Recalls
- Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to check for recalls on food and spice products that may contain lead.
- Visit the United States Consumer Product Commission (CPSC) website to check for recalls on consumer product that may contain lead.
- Ensure children have a diet that is high in iron and calcium, such as eggs, spinach, yogurt, and milk, to help the body absorb less lead.
Support a Healthy Diet
Consuming a health diet that is high in iron (e.g. eggs, spinach, and beans) and calcium (e.g. milk, yogurt, and cheese) can help your body absorb less lead.
In 2021, the Idaho Division of Public Health’s Environmental Health Program (EHP) received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP). The CLPPP seeks to reduce childhood lead exposures through:
Primary Prevention - removing lead hazards from the environment before children are exposed
Secondary Prevention - testing children for lead and providing follow-up care when needed
The CLPPP activities include:
- Strengthening pediatric blood lead testing and reporting throughout Idaho,
- Strengthening pediatric blood lead poisoning surveillance and data collection, and
- Linking children to recommended follow up services when lead has been identified in their blood.
The CLPPP partners with medical providers, parents, caregivers, public health districts, the Idaho Lead Screening Advisory Committee, and others to reduce childhood lead exposures. Together they:
- Develop tools and resources to help identify and reduce lead exposures
- Increase blood lead testing rates throughout Idaho, and
- Increase follow-up services when lead has been identified in children’s blood.
Learn More
Check out the CLPPP Newsletters below to learn more about the work and progress in the program.
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program developed several lead resources for medical providers including:
The Idaho Lead Risk Assessment and Blood Lead Testing Recommendations. This document was created in collaboration with the Idaho Lead Advisory Committee to provide medical providers with clear blood lead testing guidance emphasizing the importance of blood lead testing for children less than 6 years of age. Components of the document include:
- A lead risk questionnaire
- Blood lead testing requirements and recommendations
- Follow-up blood lead testing recommendations, and
- Medical management for children identified with lead in their blood.
Idaho Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire. This document is a series of specific questions to aid in determining potential risk factors for lead exposure and identify children who should have a blood lead test. The Idaho Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire is also available in Spanish
English Resources
Antiquing enthusiasts can be exposed to lead when handling or refurbishing vintage and antique items. There are certain vintage and antiques items that may contain lead.
Anglers can be exposed to lead when handling or making fishing tackle. Learn how to protect yourself and your family while enjoying fishing.
Lead is the primary metal used in ammunition and there is some risk to lead exposure while shooting a gun. Learn how to protect yourself and your family while shooting at indoor and outdoor shooting ranges.
You cannot tell if a product, such as certain spices contain lead by looking at them or tasting them. Those selling spices may not know if a product contains lead. Learn which cultural consumer products may contain lead.
Because lead is the primary metal used in ammunition, there is risk to lead exposure while hunting. There are simple things you can do to lower your chance of exposure to lead. Learn how to protect yourself from the risk of lead poisoning while hunting.
Lead and Copper Private Water Sampling
Learn how to properly sample your private well water for lead and copper.
Spanish Resources
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