Lead poisoning happens when too much lead gets into the body through the skin or from breathing, eating, or drinking.

Children 6 months to 6 years old are at highest risk because they do more hand-to-mouth activity. This age group also spend most of their time at home, day care or older buildings.

It is important to prevent lead exposure before it occurs. Lead poison is harmful and can cause permanent damage to the body and the brain. Lead exposure can cause:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system.
• Slow growth and development.
• Cause learning and behavior problems that lead to hearing and speech problems.

Some children have no signs of being sick. Others may have symptoms like:

• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle and joint weakness
• Behavioral problems and trouble concentrating
• Increased antisocial behavior
• Metallic taste in the mouth

Ask your doctor about having your children tested for lead exposure. Your doctor will ask you questions to see if your child is at risk for lead poison. A capillary test or a prick on the finger will test the blood to see if there are any lead levels in the blood. If lead is found, your doctor will refer you to a lab to get your child blood’s drawn. A follow-up appointment with your doctor will be needed.

There are 2 types of tests:

• Capillary test –in-office visit; this will test the blood to see if
  there are any levels of lead.
• Venous blood test – this can be done initially, or as a follow-up test if they
  find high levels of lead.

Lead is a highly toxic metal that can be found in soil, food and water. Not everyone with lead in their blood will have obvious symptoms. Even with a small amount of lead in the blood can be dangerous.

If you think your child has been exposed to lead you can get a screening done. All children should get a lead screening test done as early as 6 months old. It is important to get testing at one year and 2 years of age. The only way to know a child has lead poisoning is to get a blood test for lead.

A test would be done at ages 1 and 2. If the child missed the test during those ages it can be done at 2 – 6 years old.

A lead screening test is covered for all HPSJ children. It can be done at your doctor’s office. If your doctor can not do the lead screening test in their office they will refer you to a lab.

There is no safe lead level in the blood for children. Children are especially at risk from lead because of their small size and developing brains. Keep your home lead–free. Removing all sources of lead exposure is important before a child is harmed.

Researchers continue to study how lead exposure might affect a developing fetus or infant. High blood lead levels during pregnancy can result in:

• Bleeding
• Miscarriage (death of fetus)
• Stillbirth (dead at birth)
• Low birth weight
• Premature birth

Exposure to lead might also affect a baby’s:

• Hearing
• Vision
• Ability to learn