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Even though lead-based paint was banned in 1978, millions of children are still being exposed to it. According to the CDC, there are no safe blood lead levels. The negative health effects from lead poisoning cannot be reversed. Because children are still developing, they are at a higher risk of getting poisoned from smaller doses of lead than adults.

Lead can be extremely dangerous. It is one of the leading health hazards when it comes to household paint. It speeds up drying time in paint. It prevents corrosion. It maintains a fresh appearance and increases the stability of paint.

What is Lead and Where Is It Found?

Lead is a natural element that can be toxic to humans and animals. It presents a problem when found in the air, soil, and water. Lead is also present in homes, offices, and other facilities. Some household products such as paint, ceramics, pipes, cosmetics, and toys contain lead.

Children are primarily exposed to lead from household lead-paint. Even though lead paint was banned in 1978, many homes built before 1978 still have lead-based paint. Around 24 million homes nationwide contain lead-based paint hazards. About four million young children live in these affected homes.

How Do Children Get in Contact with Lead?

Peeling paint from walls, cabinets, door, windows, porches and stairways create lead dust. Old and worn paint can cause problems. Paint exposed to constant rubbing such as windows and doors start to deteriorate. So, children who live in affected homes like these can easily come in contact with lead-based paint and be poisoned.

Young children explore the world with their mouth. They are more at risk of lead poisoning. They can potentially eat flaking paint pieces or chew on surfaces covered with paint that contains lead. Children can also get poisoned if they breathe in lead dust.

Lead poisoning can also come from drinking water. Lead leaking from pipes can contaminate water. Lead in pipes was banned in 1986.

Other possible sources of lead that kids can in contact with include:

• Imported toys
• Imported cosmetics and jewelry
• Imported candy and candy packages
• Some consumer products such as tea kettles
• Pottery

How Does Lead Affect Young Children?

Lead is harmful to young children because of their developing brains and the small size of their bodies. Even low levels of lead in a child’s body can affect their development. High levels of lead causes hyperactivity and irritability. Children may be unable to focus and pay attention. Academic performance suffers from high lead levels. There are significant impairments to growth. High lead levels can cause permanent brain damage and even death.

How to Protect Your Child from Lead Poisoning?

Some jobs or hobbies cause lead exposure. Jobs such as auto mechanics, construction workers, plumbers, etc. If you work around lead, make sure to remove your work clothes before going home. Wash your work clothes separately to avoid exposing your family to lead. Refrain from bringing lead-based products to your home.

Other tips include:

• Get your home checked for lead hazards to find and remove lead from your home.
• Fix peeling and chipping surfaces in your home.
• Wash your child’s belongings and other household items often.
• Test your child for lead.
• Feed your child a healthy diet high in calcium and iron.

Early detection and intervention are essential to preventing lead poisoning in children, protecting your family’s health, and reducing long-term effects.