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– 10 19 ug/dL mild lead poisoning– 20 44 ug/dL moderate lead poisoning– 45 69 ug/dL severe lead poisoning