Spring 2006

A Parent’s Guide to Lead Poisoning

In Iowa, one child in ten has lead poisoning.

It is very serious. Children’s bodies are still developing. Even a little lead can cause damage. Lead can hurt the brain and nerves. It can cause learning disorders and behavior problems. It can stunt their growth. It can hurt their hearing. Higher levels of lead can damage kidneys. It can cause mental retardation. Very high levels can cause coma and death.

Old paint is the most common source of lead. Children can get tiny flakes of old paint in their bodies if they:

• Put paint chips in their mouths
• Put dusty hands, toys, bottles, and pacifiers in their mouths Chew on painted surfaces, like window sills
• Play in dirt or sandboxes near an old building or where an old building was torn down
• Breathe in dust when old paint is sanded, scraped, or peeled with a heat gun

• Keep your child away from peeling paint in older houses. Do this at home. Do it at day care. Check other homes that your child visits.
• Vacuum often to keep floors clean.
• Vacuum around and in your windows. Do this often. Windowsills often have chipping paint. So does the space between the outside storm window and inside sash.

• Wash your child’s hands and face before meals and snacks.

• Wash your child’s toys and pacifiers regularly.
• When you paint or remodel an older home, you can spread a lot of paint chips an dust around. Learn how to remove this paint safely before you begin.

• Get excited easily
• Have trouble paying attention
• Have stomachaches and headaches
• Get tired easily

• Have learning problems when they start school

It is important to get help if you are worried.
Even low levels of lead can hurt your child.