Despite laws established in the 1970s to make people aware of the dangers of lead and its poisonous effects, lead poisoning in children remains a common, yet preventable, environmental health problem in the United States.  By understanding, identifying, and safely removing sources of lead, we can ensure the long-term health of children and prevent its devastating and irreversible effects.

Lead is a highly toxic metal found in the environment that is used in a variety of household products and materials.  When absorbed into the body, lead can cause serious damage to vital organs like the brain, kidneys, nerves, and blood cells. Lead poisoning is especially harmful to children under the age of six because of their rapidly maturing bodies. 

Lead poisoning develops after repeated exposure to lead, most often through the ingestion of paint chips or dust.  Homes and buildings built before 1978 can be a large source of lead exposure due to presence of lead based paint. The best way to reduce lead exposure in older homes is to keep them clean and dust free by wet mopping each week.

Harmful effects of low lead exposure in children are learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, decreased intelligence, speech problems, decreased muscle and bone growth, and hearing problems.  High levels of lead exposure cause seizures, unconsciousness and death.

Lead poisoning is not easy to detect.  Symptoms may not be visibly present and sometimes the symptoms may resemble common illnesses.    Headaches, irritability, abdominal pain, vomiting, anemia, and weight loss are early signs of lead poisoning in children.  

You can reduce your  family’s risk of developing lead poisoning by testing your home and children for lead, washing your hands before eating, running the faucet water 1-2 minutes before using, cleaning up paint chips immediately, and by using a special filter vacuum. 

For more information about lead poisoning:

EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/lead or call The National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Tennessee LEAP-Lead Elimination Action Program
Middle Tennessee State University
P. O. Box 19
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
1-866-OTNLEAP
tnlead@mtsu.edu

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
www.hud/gov/offices/lead