The Risks Of Lead
What you need to know
Lead is a metal that can make people sick, especially children. You might not think lead is a big deal if you don't know anyone who has been affected by it. But, many children in the United States are in danger of health and learning problems due to lead. It can cause serious health problems without you even knowing it. Lead can hurt a child's brain and make it hard for them to learn and grow.
Lead is a metal that the body doesn’t need.
When lead is inhaled or swallowed, it can act as a poison in the body.
Lead is found in many places such as:
- Some water supplies.
- Paint chips and dust in older homes and apartments.
- Soil that may have been exposed to lead dust or leaded gasoline, even if it happened years ago.
If the water in your home contains lead, talk with your local or state health department about the options for using water filters or bottled water. It is important that safe water be used for drinking, cooking, and mixing formula. |
Unborn babies and small children are at the greatest risk for health problems from lead exposure.
Today at least 4 million children in the United States are living in households with unsafe levels of lead. About 500,000 children ages 1-5 have dangerous levels of lead in their blood.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure in Children
If your child is exposed to lead, they can have serious health problems.
- Damage to their brain and nervous system
- Slowed growth and development
- Learning and behavior problems
- Hearing and speech problems
