Lead Poisoning St. Albans Health Department

Lead Poisoning in Children One of the most common environmental child health problems today Caused by too much lead in the body Especially harmful to children under 6

Lead Poisoning Can Cause Brain damage Mental retardation Behavior problems Liver and kidney damage Hearing loss Developmental delays Death (in extreme cases)

Where Does Lead Come From? Paint Dust Soil Water

Lead in Paint In houses built before 1978, 75% contain lead paint In houses built before 1960, paint may contain 50% lead by weight

Lead in Dust High levels of dust found on windowsills and in window wells Results from flaking paint or friction of lead paint surfaces or from soil containing lead

Lead in Soil Soil contaminated by – peeling exterior paint – leaded car exhaust – pollution from industry Highest lead levels in soil found close to foundations painted with lead paint

Lead in Water About 20% of lead exposure comes from drinking water Lead leaches into water from – old lead pipes and service lines – home plumbing Leaded solder still in use until 1980s Faucets and fittings may contain 8% lead

Measuring Lead Can be measured only by blood lead test Blood lead levels – Less than 10 ug/dL currently considered normal – ug/dL mild lead poisoning – ug/dL moderate lead poisoning – ug/dL severe lead poisoning