How Are Children Exposed to Lead Poisoning?
Children are most commonly exposed to lead poisoning through lead-based paint in older homes. Although lead-based paint was banned for use in housing in 1978, homes built before the ban may still contain the leaded paint. Poisoning most often occurs as a result of children inhaling or ingesting either lead dust or paint chips. Children may also be exposed to lead contained in children’s products. While accessible lead in consumer products has been banned, discoveries of both accessible lead and lead paint in or on children’s toys and clothing have prompted millions of unit recalls. How Can I Find Out if My Child Has Lead Poisoning? For the most part, unless lead poisoning is very severe, symptoms are rare. It is virtually impossible to detect without a blood test. What Can I Do to Protect My Children from Lead? Lead poisoning is completely preventable. You can protect your children by following some basic guidelines: Get your children, ages six months through six years, tested for lead
