Information for Parents

Prevent Children’s Exposure to Lead

Lead poisoning can be prevented. The key is to keep children from coming in contact with lead. If children are lead poisoned they must be treated. Learn how to prevent children’s exposure to lead.

There are many ways you can reduce children's exposure to lead before they are harmed. Lead hazards in a child's environment must be identified and controlled or removed safely. Lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell.

Sources of Lead

A child's environment is full of lead. Children are exposed to lead from different sources (such as paint, gasoline, solder, and consumer products) and through different pathways (such as air, food, water, dust, and soil). Although there are several exposure sources, lead-based paint is the most widespread and dangerous high-dose source of lead exposure for young children.

At-Risk Populations

Children at higher risk for lead exposure

• are poor,
• are members of racial-ethnic minority groups,
• are recent immigrants,
• live in older, poorly maintained rental properties, or
• have parents who are exposed to lead at work.

Membership in one of these groups does not predict risk in every community, and children in these groups who are not exposed to lead do not have elevated blood lead levels.

Check out our information on

• Lead poisoning prevention and international adoption for prospective parents adopting a child from overseas.
• Lead poisoning prevention for pregnant women.

Get Treatment if You Think Your Child Has Been in Contact with Lead

If you think your child has been in contact with lead, contact your child's health care provider. He or she can help you decide whether to test your child's blood to see if it has high levels of lead.

A blood lead test is the only way to find out if your child has a high lead level. Most children with high levels of lead in their blood have no symptoms.

Your child's health care provider can recommend treatment if your child has been exposed to lead.

See frequently asked questions about lead and possible lead exposure.

Additional Resources for Parents

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