- About Us
- Healthcare Providers
- Departments and Services

  ·Nursing Services

  ·Children With   Special Needs

  ·Environmental   Services

  ·Medical Examiner

- Health Topics

  ·A-Z Index of   Health Topics
- Driving Directions
- 2007 Annual Report
- Public Health Home

Lead Poisoning

Lead poisons people. It is especially bad for children. If lead gets into a child's body, it could cause:

  • a lower IQ
  • kidney damage
  • hearing loss
  • growth problems
  • anemia
  • behavior problems.

Lead can be found in paint, dust, soil and water. Some Asian and Hispanic folk medicines for stomach upset also have lead.

Here is some information to help parents GET AHEAD OF LEAD.

What causes lead poisoning in children?

The most common cause is lead-based paint. If floors have dust from old painted walls, or paint chips, a baby could breathe in lead dust, or suck on lead-dusted hands or toys. Some toddlers eat paint chips or chew on lead- painted window sills and stair rails.

Back to Top

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning in children?

They can include fatigue, crankiness and stomachaches. But usually there are no signs: a blood lead test is the only sure way to tell.

Back to Top

How is a lead test done?

A small amount of blood is taken from a finger prick or vein and tested for lead. Blood can be drawn at a doctor's office, hospital, clinic or lab. If you don't know where to bring your child for testing, call your local health department.

Back to Top

Which children should be tested?

All children six months to six years should be screened regularly. Children should be tested by their first birthday and again when they're two. Preschool and child care programs will be looking for proof that the child has been tested.

Back to Top

What if the blood test shows a problem?

For some children, simple changes in diet and more frequent hand-washing are all that is needed. Other children, with very high blood lead levels, may need drugs that help the body get rid of lead. You doctor will decide what your child needs. But treatment is not enough. The source of the lead will have to be found and the problem corrected. Your local health department will advise you.

Back to Top

What are steps parents can take to prevent children from being exposed to lead?

  • Keep children away from peeling paint and broken plaster.
  • Damp mop floors and damp wipe surfaces twice a week to reduce lead dust.
  • Wash your child's hands often, to rinse off any lead dust or dirt.
  • Wash your child's toys often, especially teething toys.
  • Use cold tap water - not hot - for infant formula or cooking. Let the cold water tap run for at least a minute before using, to flush lead picked up from pipes.
  • Store food from open cans in glass or plastic containers. (Some cans are made with lead solder.)
  • Use lead-free dishes. Some dishes may have lead in their glazes. Don't use chipped or cracked dishes to store or serve food.
  • Be careful with your hobbies. Some crafts call for use of paints, glazes and solder (used in making stained glass). Many of these have lead.
  • Don't bring lead home with you from work. People who work at construction, plumbing, painting, auto repair and certain other jobs can be exposed to lead. You and anyone you live with who is exposed to lead on the job should shower and change into fresh clothes and shoes before coming home.
    Wash work clothes separately.
  • Keep children away from remodeling and renovation sites. Old paint can have lead in it.
  • Call your local health department for information about professionals who handle lead-based paint problems.

Back to Top

What foods can help prevent lead poisoning?

Foods high in iron and calcium can help prevent lead poisoning.

For iron dried beans/peas, lean beef/pork, chicken/turkey, spinach, whole grain/fortified breads, eggs, tuna and collard greens

For calcium cheese, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, milkshakes, pudding, cream soups, pizza, lasagna, macaroni and cheese

Feed children healthy snacks: a child with an empty stomach will absorb more lead.

Back to Top

Where can I get more information about lead poisoning?

Information for Child Care Providers on Lead Recalls

Q and A for Parents on Lead Recalls

Click here for more information.

Back to Top

Source: New York State Department of Health