If you live in a home built before 1978, when lead-based house paint was banned, chances are there is lead in the paint on your walls or in your water pipes. If the paint is peeling or the pipes are worn, your child is at risk of developing lead poisoning. If you think your child has been exposed to lead, have your home inspected and consult with your doctor about blood lead testing.
Causes
Peeling paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning in children. Even though lead has not been used in house paint since the late 1970's, older homes may still have lead-based paint under layers of newer paint on their walls, windows, windowsills, stairways, porches and fences. Old painted furniture and toys can also contain lead.
When paint peels or chips, children can easily get lead poisoning from putting the chips in their mouths and from breathing lead particles that are released into the air. There will also be lead dust in the air whenever a lead-based painted surface is dry-scraped or sanded. Even when the dust settles, it will rise back up into the air when the floor is swept or vacuumed, or when someone walks through the room.
Lead can also be found in the soil, especially in areas where old homes are being demolished or remodeled.
Old water pipes may contain lead, or they may be connected with lead solder that can leach into your tap water.
Symptoms
Lead poisoning can cause abdominal pain, cramps, anemia, constipation, headaches, aggressive behavior and irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia and low energy.
Treatment
Treatment begins with eliminating the source of contamination or removing the child from the environment until it is safe.
Medical treatments such as gastric suction or bowel irrigation may be necessary in cases where a high dose of lead has been ingested in a short period of time.
If your child has symptoms you think are caused by lead poisoning and you cannot reach your doctor immediately, call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Prevention
Seal in leaded paint on old walls with a fresh coat of unleaded paint. Lead paint is dangerous only if it is exposed, chipped, or becomes airborne in dust particles. Keep play areas clean and dust-free.
If you think your drinking water may be contaminated with lead, use only cold water for cooking and drinking, and let the water run for at least 30 seconds before using it until you can install a lead-filtering device.
Wash your children's hands and faces frequently and especially before meals. Make sure your children eat a well-balanced diet. Malnourished children are more likely to absorb lead than those with healthy diets.
Consequences
Ultimately, lead poisoning can lead to academic and behavior problems, inattentiveness and trouble hearing, reduced IQ, compromised growth, and nerve and kidney damage. Long-term exposure or short-term exposure to very high levels of lead can lead to permanent brain damage.
