Parents

Lead poisoning is 100% preventable. However, if a child is poisoned, there is no cure!

Is there lead in my home?

If your house was built prior to 1978, you probably have some lead in your home. 94% of the City's housing was built prior to 1978!

I live in a home that was built after 1978, does that mean my child is safe from lead poisoning?

No! Consider where else your child spends time. Your house may not have lead, but does your child go to a relative's house or a friend's house that may have been built prior to 1978? With the rise in daycare costs, many times grandparents and other relatives are taking care of children.

What causes lead poisoning in children?

The most common cause is lead-based paint!

Can my child get poisoned even if he/she doesn’t actually eat paint chips?

Yes, most cases of childhood lead poisoning are caused by lead dust as a result of hand-to-mouth contact. If floors have dust from old painted walls, windows, doors, etc, a baby could breathe in the lead dust or suck on lead-dusted hands and toys.

How can you tell if a child is lead poisoned? Are there any symptoms?

You can’t tell!

Lead poisoning is not like a child having the flu, where you can look at them and know they are sick. A healthy child and a lead poisoned child may look and act the same way! The only way to know for sure if a child is poisoned is a blood lead test. A simple lead test at your family physician or at a local health center can tell if your child has dangerous lead levels in their blood.

What are the effects of lead poisoning?

The effects of lead poisoning are irreversible and may include a lower IQ, kidney damage, hearing loss, growth problems, anemia and behavioral problems.

I am pregnant, can lead harm my unborn child?

Yes! Lead can harm you and your unborn baby. Check out these tips to keep you and your child safe.

How can I keep my family lead smart?

Keep children away from peeling paint!
Damp mop floors and damp wipe surfaces twice a week to reduce lead dust!
Wash your child’s hands and toys often to remove lead dust and/or dirt!
Use cold tap water, not hot, for infant formula & cooking!
Let the water run for at least one minute before using to flush out the pipes!
Feed children healthy meals/snacks – a child with an empty stomach will absorb more lead!