How to Prevent Lead Poisoning

Lead was banned from being used in home paints in 1978, but there was no forced removal of lead based paints at that point. Many homes painted before the ban still have lead paint on the walls. Even if the walls have been repainted it is possible that some lead paint is still present under the new coat of paint. When the lead based paint deteriorates it releases the lead. This creates lead dust. The dust can be found in the floor, along window sills, and in doorways. These are all places small children play and crawl.

Younger children are especially susceptible to neurological damage from lead exposure. Lead is classified as a neurotoxin and can cause mental retardation and other developmental delays in infants and young children.

Lead paint and dust are still the primary causes of lead poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, there are other sources of lead in our environment. In the past several years several toy companies have had to recall toys due to lead paint being used on toys. Metals in toy jewelry and other toy parts have also been found to have a very high lead content.

In 2006, a four year old boy, who already suffered from developmental delays, ingested a heart charm from a bracelet. He died shortly after due to the extremely high lead content in the charm, which caused acute lead poisoning and inflammation of his brain.

Other reports have surfaced, usually involving cheap novelty style toys and trinket, of children developing lead poisoning from toys. Many of these toys were manufactured in China, which lead to scrutiny and reform over how China manufactures and tests its toys for safety.

Other sources of lead in our environment may include: drinking fountains, soil (in your yard or playgrounds), artificial trees, holiday light decorations, power cords, and fruit seeds. Ornaments, decorations, and power cords that contain lead usually have warning disclaimers stating that you should wash your hands after handling. To prevent lead ingestion from soil, have your children wash their hands thoroughly after playing/wash your hands after gardening, don't eat seeds from apples or other tree fruits (which can contain lead), and avoid drinking fountains that you are unsure of the plumbing materials for.

To cut down on lead tracked in the house from the soil or possibly from job sites that may contain lead (from visitors, etc.), dust with a moist cloth often, sweep and mop at least weekly, and check the government lead recall site to stay informed about possible lead recalls (http://www.cpsc.gov/).

If you suspect that you or your child has been in contact with lead and is suffering from side effects, please see your doctor immediately. Signs of low level or chronic lead poisoning aren't always immediately noticeable and may include behavior problems, decreased intelligence, impaired hearing, and impaired physical growth/stature. Acute lead poisoning may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle weakness, paralysis, and seizures. Acute lead poisoning can be fatal.

Sources:

Death of a Child After Ingestion of a Metal Charm, http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm55d323a1.htm

Lead Poisoning Symptoms, http://children.webmd.com/tc/lead-poisoning-symptoms

Eliminating Childhood Lead Poisoning, http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/about/fedstrategy2000.pdf