Lead is a harmful metal found in the air, soil, water, and even inside homes. Lead poisoning happens when lead builds up in the body, sometimes over time, and can cause serious problems. Even small amounts of lead can harm children. Knowing how to spot and prevent lead exposure can help keep your family safe.
Lead poisoning happens when lead gets into the body and causes problems with normal body functions. This can happen by swallowing (eating or drinking) or breathing in lead.
Children are often exposed by swallowing lead dust, chips from old paint, or by putting objects with lead in their mouths.
Old Paint: homes built before 1978 often have lead-based paint. As the paint ages, it creates harmful dust or chips.
Soil: lead from old paint, car exhaust, or factories can contaminate soil.
Water Pipes: old plumbing pipes or fixtures can release lead into drinking water.
Certain Items: some imported toys, jewelry, candies, herbal supplements, cosmetics, and ceramic dishes may contain lead.
Young children often put their hands and objects in their mouth, putting them at risk of exposure. Their bodies also absorb lead more easily, and their developing brains and nervous systems are very sensitive to it.
During pregnancy, lead stored in the mother’s bones can be released and exposed to the baby. Lead can harm both the mother and baby, increasing the risk of miscarriage, early birth, and smaller birth size. Lead can also damage the developing baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system, which can cause learning and behavior problems as they get older.
While a small amount of lead can pass into breast milk, it’s usually not enough to harm the baby.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women may be exposed to lead by:
Jobs involving lead-based products, like construction, painting, plumbing, or battery manufacturing carry higher risks.
Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint and plumbing.
Lead poisoning can cause serious problems. It can harm almost every organ in the body, but is especially dangerous for the brain and nervous system.
Risk of Dental Problems: lead poisoning can weaken tooth enamel, reduce saliva, and block fluoride from working properly, which increases the risk of cavities.
Testing for lead exposure is easy and important.
A simple blood test can measure lead levels.
Infants Toddlers: Testing is recommended at 12 and 24 months, especially if living in high-risk areas or older homes.
Adults: Consider testing if you work at a high-risk job or live in an older home.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: Women who have had exposure to lead in the past, or are at risk for lead exposure should get tested. If a lead level of 5 µg/dL or higher is detected, follow-up testing is needed.
How you prepare and serve your child’s foods can affect how much lead they are exposed to. Follow these three steps to help make a difference!
When preparing food, be sure to wash and cook using cold water to start.
Serve your children small snacks between meals.
Serve foods that are high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
Iron helps block too much lead from getting into the body. Food sources of iron include:
Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and calcium. Food sources of Vitamin C include:
Regularly wet-mop floors, and wet-wipe window sills and other surfaces to remove lead dust.
If your home was built before 1978, repair chipping paint safely using certified professionals.
Block access by closing and locking doors to areas with chipping, peeling, or flaking paint.
Be cautious of older or imported toys, jewelry, and ceramics that may contain lead.
Reduce lead intake by cleaning hands and toys often.
Always use cold water for cooking and drinking, as hot water may contain more lead. If you have lead pipes in your house, let the tap water run for at least 30 seconds before use.
A diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C can help reduce how much lead the body absorbs.
milk, yogurt, cheese,
green leafy vegetables
oranges, tomatoes,
green peppers
lean red meats, fish, chicken,
dried fruits
After leaving an area with lead exposure, if possible, change clothes before getting in the car, shower as soon as possible, and wash clothes separately from others with an added rinse cycle.
When in areas with contaminated soil, play on grass instead of dirt.
There are resources to help you learn more and get help with lead testing. Many programs offer free or low-cost testing and support for families at risk of lead exposure.
Learn more about lead and the Wyoming Department of Health’s Childhood Blood Lead Prevention Program.
This website can help you determine what type of water service line you have along with information about lead service lines in your home.
You find out if a lead service line brings water into your home. It includes pictures and step-by-step directions to identify lead service lines, tips to reduce lead exposure, information on testing your water, and resources for more help.
By staying informed and proactive, you can help protect your family from the dangers of lead.
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