Children can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing dust that contains lead. Even small amounts can be harmful.
Young children are especially at risk for lead poisoning because lead can slow growth and development. The effects of lead poisoning can be with a child throughout life.
Lead Poisoning Is Preventable.
IS MY Child at Risk For Lead Poisoning?
Does your child live in or regularly visit a home, child care or other building built before 1950?
During the past 6 months has your child lived in or regularly visited a home, child care or other building built before 1980 with recent or ongoing painting, repair, remodeling or damage?
Does your child have a brother, sister, other relative, housemate or playmate with lead poisoning?
Does your child spend time with an adult that has a job or hobby where they may work with lead (such as painting, remodeling, auto radiators, batteries, auto repair, soldering, making sinkers, bullets, stained glass, pottery, going to shooting ranges, hunting or fishing)?
Do you have pottery or ceramics made in other countries or lead crystal or pewter that are used for cooking, storing or serving food or drink?
Has your child ever used any traditional, imported or home remedies or cosmetics such as Azarcon, Alarcon, Greta, Rueda, Pay-loo-ah, or Kohl?
Has your child been adopted from, lived in or visited a foreign country in the last 6 months?
Do you have concerns about your child's development?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please ask your health care provider for a blood lead test.
WHAT ARE The Warning Signs Of Lead Poisoning?
Children can be hurt by lead and may not look or act sick. The danger is hard to see. The only way to know if your children have lead poisoning is to have their blood tested.
HOW CAN Lead Poisoning Affect My Child?
Reading and learning problems
Lowered intelligence
Behavior problems
Slowed growth
Kidney and liver damage
WHERE DO Lead Hazards Come From?
PAINT Paint used before 1978 could contain lead. If the paint is chipping, peeling, or chalking it may be a problem. Windows, doors, steps and porches are areas where surfaces rub together and make lead dust.
DUST Lead dust is the main source of lead poisoning. Lead dust mixes with household dust and can gather on surfaces, in carpets and on toys. Home repairs and remodeling can also make lead dust.
SOIL & DIRT Soil around homes and apartment buildings may contain lead. Children may come into contact with lead by playing in bare dirt. Lead in the soil may contaminate vegetables planted in the garden.
WATER PIPES & SOLDER Some household plumbing may contain lead solder. Lead may leach into the water when water sits in pipes. If this happens, the water you use for drinking, cooking or mixing baby formula can cause lead poisoning.
POTTERY, WORKPLACES & HOBBIES Some imported pottery and ceramic cookware may have lead in the glaze. Lead can also be brought into the home from the workplace (painters, plumbers, etc.) and hobbies (stained glass solder, fishing sinkers, etc.) that use lead.
HOW CAN I Protect My Child?
Keep the places where children play clean and dust free. Regularly wet-wipe floors, window sills, and other surfaces that may contain lead dust.
Wash children?s hands, pacifiers and toys often to remove dust.
Have children play on grass instead of bare dirt. Take off shoes when entering a home to avoid tracking in soil that may contain lead.
Provide meals high in iron, vitamin C, and calcium which help prevent young bodies from absorbing lead.
Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula. Run the water 15-30 seconds until it feels colder.
Do not use folk remedies or imported, old, or handmade pottery to store food or drinks.
If you work with lead in your job or hobby, change clothes and shower before you go home.
If your children are at risk, have their blood tested!
Call the LeadLine 1-800-368-5060
Portland Metro Area 503-988-4000
Emergencies
Call your
medical provider or
Oregon Poison Center 1-800-222-1222
Lead Exposure in
Oregon
Call the
Childhood and Adult
Lead Poisoning
Surveillance Programs (971) 673-0429
Are your
children
at risk?
Call the LEADLINE 1-800-368-5060
Portland Metro Area 503-988-4000
Page updated: September 22, 2007
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Does your child live in or regularly visit a home, child care or other building built before 1950?
