Lead and Children

Lead and Children

Lead poisoning is dangerous to everyone. Young children, however, face the most danger from exposure to lead. Infants and children 5 years and younger are especially at risk for lead poisoning because their growing bodies absorb lead easier than adults. Lead replaces iron, calcium and other minerals in the blood. This compounds the risk to children, who grow rapidly and need these minerals for proper develpment. Children’s risk of lead poisoning is also greater because they often put their hands and objects such as toys in their mouths often causing lead to be swallowed. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age are also at increased risk for lead poisoning because lead ingested by a mother can affect the unborn fetus.

Lead poisoning is the nation’s #1 most preventable environmental health problem facing our children today. The younger the child, the greater the risk of lead poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 22 children in America have high levels of lead in their blood. Though the signs and symptoms may be few to none:

Low levels of lead in the blood over time may cause:

Brain damage
Decreased muscle and bone growth
Diminished intelligence and lowered IQ
Decreased hearing ability or complete hearing loss
Behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, attention deficit disorder
Kidney damage

High levels of lead in the blood may cause:

Mental Retardation
Convulsions
Coma
Death

Even children who appear healthy may have high levels of lead. You can’t tell if a child has lead poisoning unless you have him or her tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children be tested at 12 months, 24 months and up to age 5 if never tested.

Call Lead-Safe Roanoke II for information on how to have your child tested. 540-853-5682