Salt Lake Valley Health Department
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Lead Free Kids, Lead Safe Housing Program
Information for Parents
Children under age six are at more at risk for lead poisoning than older children or adults for a number of reasons:
- Young children have rapidly developing nervous systems, and lead affects the nervous system, so any exposure can impact development.
- Children’s bodies absorb lead easily. Even a small amount of lead can cause harm.
- Young children are more likely to ingest lead because their normal behavior (for example putting objects into mouths, eating or chewing on things that are not food, playing on the floor and ground) increases risk of exposure.
How do children become Lead Poisoned?
Children become lead poisoned by swallowing or breathing lead
Lead from paint is the biggest source of lead poisoning. Many homes built before 1978 were painted with lead-based paint. Lead from crumbling paint can mix with household dust. Anything that gets dusty, like window sills and toys, can become a source of lead poisoning. If you live in an older home, look for peeling and chipping paint both inside and outside your home, especially near high friction areas like doors and windows.
If you are exposed to lead at your job or through a hobby, you could unknowingly bring lead dust home on your clothes, shoes, hair or skin. You may work with lead if you:
- Make or fix batteries
- Make or fix radiators
- Remove old paint
- Tear down or remodel houses
- Work at a shooting range
- Solder
Some pottery, dishes, crystal, bean pots or other food containers may contain lead. Hot or acidic food will leach more lead than other foods.
Some candies from Mexico may contain lead, both in the candy itself and in the wrappers.
Some home remedies and ethnic medicines such as azarcon, greta, ba-baw-san, santrinj, and pay-loo-ah may contain lead.
How can I tell if my child is lead poisoned?
Lead poisoning often has no symptoms. Most children who are lead poisoned look and act healthy. However, some poisoned children may become fussy and irritable, have a loss of appetite, or be more tired than usual.
The only way to be certain that your child does not have lead poisoning is to have your child’s blood tested. This test is a quick, simple finger-stick and can be done in a doctor’s office or an outpatient laboratory.
How do I get my child tested?
Ask your medical provider or clinic for the test. The cost of this test may be covered by your medical insurance plan, including Medicaid. A test is important for children who live or spend time in older buildings which may have lead paint. You can help prevent lead poisoning by understanding the risks and taking timely action.
Additional Resources
EPA Booklet: Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home
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