In this Article

• Why is lead poisoning a problem?
• How are children exposed to lead?
• Who is at risk of lead poisoning?
• Can lead poisoning be prevented?
• What can the public and parents do to reduce blood lead levels?
• What is the role of the Center for Disease Control in preventing lead poisoning?
• Lead Poisoning Glossary
• Lead Poisoning Index

Who is at risk for lead poisoning?

• Children under the age of 6 years because they are growing so rapidly and because they tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths.
• Children from all social and economic levels can be affected by lead poisoning, although children living at or below the poverty line who live in older housing are at greatest risk.
• Children of some racial and ethnic groups living in older housing are disproportionately affected by lead. For example, 22% of black children and 13% of Mexican-American children living in housing built before 1946 have elevated blood lead levels compared with 6% of white children living in comparable types of housing.

Can lead poisoning be prevented?

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead and treating children who have been poisoned by lead.

• Lead hazards in a child's environment must be removed
• Public and health care professionals need to be educated about lead poisoning and how to prevent it
• Children who are at risk of lead poisoning need to be tested, and, if necessary, treated.

What can the public and parents do to reduce blood lead levels?

• Ask a doctor to test your child if you are concerned about your child being exposed to lead.
• Talk to your state or local health department about testing paint and dust from your home for lead if you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, especially if young children live with you or visit you.
• Damp-mop floors, damp-wipe surfaces, and frequently wash a child's hands, pacifiers, and toys to reduce exposure to lead.
• Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and for making baby formula. Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead, and most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house, not from the local water supply.
• Avoid using home remedies (such as arzacon, greta, pay-loo-ah) and cosmetics (such as kohl, alkohl) that contain lead.
• Take basic steps to decrease your exposure to lead (for example, by showering and changing clothes after finishing the task) if you remodel buildings built before 1978 or if your work or hobbies involve working with lead-based products.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Poison Control Centers - Certified poison control centers are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with medical directors and pharmacists standing by. Find more on certified poison control centers in your city on MedicineNet.com. Source:MedicineNet Read 19 more Lead Poisoning related articles ... Lead Poisoning and Kids Abortion Pill Safe as Surgical Abortion Continuous Doctor Care Key to Childhood Screenings Lead in Blood: 'Safe' Levels Too High? Toy Recall: What Parents Should Know Health Tip: Get Children Tested for Lead Poisoning New Rule Seeks to Protect Kids From Lead Paint 'Safe' Lead Level Too High, Expert Says More Toys Recalled Due to Lead Low Lead Exposures Can Hurt Kidneys