EC DOH: Lead Poisoning Fact Sheet

Family Health

Lead Poisoning Prevention

The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides:

community and professional education concerning prevention of lead poisoning,
medical and environmental follow-up
testing of children up to age six (based on a sliding fee scale) for lead poisoning.

http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/lead/recalls/questions_and_answers.htm

Lead Poisoning Fact Sheet

Lead poisons people. It is especially bad for children. If lead gets into a child's body, it could cause brain damage, kidney damage, hearing loss, growth problems, anemia, or behavior problems.

Lead can be found in paint, dust, soil and water. Some Asian and Hispanic folk medicines for stomach upset also have lead.

Here is some information to help parents Get Ahead Of Lead.

What Causes Lead Poisoning In Children?

The most common cause is lead-based paint. If floors have dust from old painted walls, or paint chips, a baby could breathe in lead dust, or suck on lead-dusted hands or toys. Some toddlers eat paint chips or chew on lead-painted window sills and stair rails.

What Are The Symptoms Of Lead Poisoning In Children?

They can include fatigue, crankiness and stomachaches, but there usually aren't any signs. A blood lead test is the only sure way to tell.

How Is A Lead Test Done?

A small amount of blood is taken from a finger prick or vein and tested for lead. Blood can be drawn at a doctor's office, hospital, clinic, or lab. If you don't know where to bring your child for testing, call your local health department.

Which Children Should Be Tested?

All children six months to six years should be screened regularly. Children should be tested by their first birthday and again when they are two. Preschool and child care programs will be looking for proof that the child has been tested.

What If The Blood Test Shows A Problem?

For some children, simple changes in diet and more frequent hand-washing are all that is needed. Other children, with very high blood lead levels, may need drugs that help the body get rid of lead. Your doctor will decide what your child needs. But treatment is not enough. The source of the lead will have to be found and the problem corrected. Your local health department will advise you.

What Are The Steps To Prevent Children From Being Exposed To Lead?

Keep children away from peeling paint and broken plaster.
Damp mop floors and damp wipe surfaces twice a week to reduce lead dust.
Wash your child's hands often, to rinse off any lead dust or dirt.
Wash your child's toys often, especially teething toys.
Use cold tap water - not hot - for infant formula or cooking. Let the cold water tap run for at least a minute before using, to flush lead picked up from pipes.
Store food from open cans in glass or plastic containers. (Some cans are made with lead solder.)
Use lead-free dishes. Some dishes may have lead in their glazes. Don't use chipped or cracked dishes to store or serve food.
Be careful with your hobbies. Some crafts call for use of paints, glazes and solder (used in making stained glass). Many of these have lead.
Don't bring lead home with you from work. People who work at construction, plumbing, painting, auto repair and certain other jobs can be exposed to lead. You and anyone you live with who is exposed to lead on the job should shower and change into fresh clothes and shoes before coming home.
Wash work clothes separately.
Keep children away from remodeling and renovation sites. Old paint can have lead in it.
Call your local health department for information about professionals who handle lead-based paint problems.

What Foods Can Help Prevent Lead Poisioning?

Foods high in iron and calcium can help prevent lead poisoning.

Iron rich foods:
Dried beans/peas, lean beef/pork, chicken/turkey, spinach, whole grain/fortified breads, eggs, tuna and collard greens.
Calcium rich foods:
Cheese, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, milkshakes, pudding, cream soups, pizza, lasagna, macaroni and cheese.

Feeding children healthy snacks will significantly reduce the absorbtion of lead.

Call your doctor or local health department to learn more about lead poisoning prevention.

ERIE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
LEAD POISONING PREVENTION PROGRAM: (716) 961-6800
Remember, GET AHEAD OF LEAD! Avoiding lead is good for you and good for your children.

Source: New York State Department of Health

Home | Help | Site Policy | Site Map | Search