Lead Poisoning Frequently Asked Questions
What is lead poisoning?
Lead is a natural element found throughout our environment. Unlike other natural elements such as iron or calcium, however, our bodies cannot use lead and too much exposure to it is toxic. If more lead enters the body than is eliminated, lead will store in the body with the potential to cause damage to any organ or system, and in high levels, may cause death.
The amount of lead in the body is determined by measuring the amount of lead in the blood. A value known as the Blood Lead Level (BLL) is used to describe the amount of lead in the blood. Lead poisoning in children is defined by the CDC as 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (10 µg/dL) or higher. Thus, a child with a BLL of 10 or higher is considered to have lead poisoning.
Please be aware there is no known safe BLL for lead, and a BLL below 10 does have the potential to cause harm to a child.
How does lead affect a child?
A young growing and developing child absorbs lead more easily compared to an adult. Even a small amount of lead has the potential to cause permanent damage to nearly any organ or system in the body. Developmental delays, behavior problems and low IQ scores may all result from childhood lead poisoning.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
In many cases children with lead poisoning do not show any symptoms and a blood lead test is the only way to know for sure if a child has lead poisoning.
A high blood lead level does bring about general symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, change in appetite and/or irritability.
How do children get lead poisoning?
Children are exposed to lead through the environment; however, it enters the body in only three ways.
1. Eating or mouthing lead-contaminated items
2. Breathing in lead-contaminated dust
3. An expectant mother can pass lead to her unborn baby through the placenta
What are the sources of lead poisoning?
The most common source of childhood lead poisoning is deteriorating lead-based paint in older homes or buildings built before 1978. If a child eats paint chips, chews on painted surfaces—such as windowsills—or breathes in lead dust from a home with lead-based paint, he/she may have lead poisoning. Children may also be exposed to lead from a number of other sources.
Click here for additional items known to contain lead.
How can I protect my child from lead poisoning?
Check out the following childhood lead poisoning prevention tips!
Ask about a blood lead test at your child’s next checkup. A blood lead test is the only way to know for sure if your child has lead poisoning.
Know the sources of lead and minimize your child’s exposure to them.
Wash your child’s hands and face often, especially before meals and at bedtime.
Give your child three healthy meals and two snacks a day.
Feed your child foods high in iron, calcium and vitamin C.
Do not let your child eat or chew on non-food items—such as paint chips, dirt, windowsills, cribs and toys.
Do not cook or store food in clay or ceramic pottery.
Do not give your child home remedies such as Azarcon or Greta from foreign countries.
Cover peeling paint and clean up paint chips in and around the home.
Wet mop or wipe floors, windowsills, doors and doorframes to reduce lead dust on wood and painted surfaces.
Wash your child’s toys and pacifier often.
Take off shoes before entering your home.
If you work with lead, shower and change clothes before interacting with your child and wash work clothes separate from the family’s clothes.
Should my child be tested for lead poisoning?
YES!
Since in the majority of cases symptoms do not accompany lead poisoning, a blood lead test is the only way to know for sure if a child has lead poisoning. If possible, every child should have a blood lead test at 12 and 24 months of age and receive a screening once a year until age six.
Where can I have my child tested for lead poisoning?
Contact your child’s health care provider or the San Antonio Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (SACLPPP) at (210) 434-0077 for more information on blood lead testing.
What is the treatment for lead poisoning?
The main treatment for lead poisoning includes identification and removal of the source of lead to the child. This will allow the body to eliminate the lead naturally. In some cases, a high blood lead level requires a medication to rid the body of some of the lead more quickly. These medications are strong and can cause serious side effects.
How will SACLPPP staff assist me if my child has lead poisoning?
If your child has lead poisoning:
• SACLPPP staff will contact and assist you with identifying the possible sources of lead in your child’s environment.
• The SACLPPP nurse case manager will conduct a home visit to help you identify ways to protect your child from future lead exposure.
• If necessary, an environmental investigaion will be performed in order to identify lead hazards in the child’s home environment.
• SACLPPP staff will monitor and follow-up with you regarding your child’s blood lead level until it falls below the level of concern (below 10 µg/dL).
As the parent or gardian:
• Notify SACLPPP staff if any of your contact information changes.
• Follow-up with a doctor until your child’s blood lead level falls below the level of concern (below 10 µg/dL).
