Lead has been shown to have many harmful effects in growing children, especially between the ages of 9 months and 6 years. Even low levels of lead can cause life-long brain damage. Higher levels can cause pregnancy problems, high blood pressure, learning disabilities, more serious brain and nerve damage, and even death.

We work to prevent a child from ever being lead poisoned and to eliminate this disease through education, lead screening, hazard identification and reduction, and a variety of other preventive services.

Lead poisoning happens when a child beathes in or ingests lead from old, cracked, or peeling lead paint that has broken down into dirt or dust. Lead can also be brought into the house by pets, and on toys, shoes, work clothes or uniforms. All young children put their fingers in their mouths. If they have touched anything with lead dust or dirt on it, they can be poisoned.

It is not easy to tell if a child has been lead poisoned. The symptoms of lead poisoning are similar to those of healthy children, including:

• loss of appetiite
• loss of energy
• hyperactivity
• irritability
• stomach aches
• they may have no signs or symptoms at all

If you work with paint, machines, building construction, dirt or soil, you should leave work clothes at work, or change before you touch your child. Wash your children’s hands, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals before eating or napping. "Wet wipe" hard surfaces like floors and windows at least once a week. Never cook with hot water, always start with cold. Always wash fresh fruit and vegetables to remove chemicals or "pesticides" which may contain lead. Foods high in calcium, iron, and Vitamin C can help keep your child healthy and lead free.

The good news is that average blood lead levels for both children and adults have dropped more than 80 percent since the late 1970s. The bad news is that blood lead levels remain higher among children in low-income families, especially those living in older housing where leaded paints may have been used.

Test your child for lead poisoning at 9 months old and each year until they are age 6. Ask your healthcare provider for more information.