Held annually, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) was created to raise awareness about the dangers lead poisoning and present ways to prevent childhood exposure to lead. This year it will be held October 19-25.
Children are particularly susceptible to harm from lead because their bodies absorb lead more efficiently than adults. This can cause damage to their developing brains and nervous systems, slow growth and development, as well as cause learning and behavioral problems. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that approximately 500,000 children in the United States have unsafe blood levels of lead.
Lead exposure can occur by breathing in lead dust or ingesting contaminated food or water, says California Poison Control System (CPCS). Since there are no known safe levels of lead, even a small amount of exposure to it is harmful, which is why efforts to phase it out are happening. For example, federal officials have mandated the removal of all lead pipes within the next decade and California has specific lead abatement regulations for property owners to ensure safe property management.
The CDC advises that children can be exposed to lead from many other sources, including:
- Paint in homes built before 1978 that is deteriorating or chipping.
- Soil near older buildings, airports, or busy roads.
- Drinking water delivered through lead pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures (as noted above lead pipes are required to be replaced).
- Consumer products, such as toys, jewelry, antiques, and collectible items.
- Certain foods, cosmetics, and traditional medicines imported from other countries.
- Jobs and hobbies that involve working with lead-based products and might cause parents or caregivers to bring lead into the home.
“Some of the health problems caused by lead poisoning can cause long-term or permanent complications in children,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. “Although prevention is best, early detection and intervention can lead to good outcomes. In fact, local public health departments in California have resources to help you and your family with lead toxicity and exposure.”
Tips to Prevent Lead Poisoning
- Supervise your child. Lead is often accidentally ingested because your child touches, breathes or swallows sources that may contain lead. For example, putting dirt or toys in their mouth.
- Make sure you teach your child to wash their hands often with soap and water—and especially before eating. You should make a practice of doing it, too.
- Clean toys with soap and water before giving them to your child. Make sure the toys stay clean by washing them frequently.
- Get rid of all recalled toys. Stay up-to-date on current recalls by checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission website: here.
- Ensure that your child’s diet includes healthy foods that are high in iron, calcium and Vitamin C. They can help protect against lead poisoning.
- Always wipe your shoes before entering the house and leave your shoes at the door.
- Be wary of some antiques and imported ceramics and pottery, as the dishes could be glazed with lead which might contaminate food. If in doubt, don’t use with food, just display them.
If you have questions, call the CPCS 24-hour hotline at 1-800-222-1222. For more information about lead poisoning visit
