Every child deserves to be protected from lead.
Lead exposure can happen quietly through paint, dust, soil, water, imported products, toys, spices, ceramics, and everyday environments children interact with every day. Even low levels of lead can affect learning, behavior, growth, and development, especially in young children.
Lead Prevention Starts At Home
Protect
Learn how healthy habits and safer environments reduce lead exposure.
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Detect
Early testing finds lead exposure before symptoms appear.
Connect
Access trusted resources, care and community support.
Lead Exposure Can Affect:
Learning and academic performance
Speech and language development
Attention and behavior
Growth and development
Hearing and nervous system function
There is no safe level of lead exposure in children.
What Is Lead And Why Does It Matter?
Lead is a toxic metal that can harm the brain, nervous system, and overall development of children. Young children are especially vulnerable because their bodies and brains are still growing.
Many children exposed to lead may not immediately show symptoms, which is why testing and prevention are so important.
Where Can Lead Be Found?
Lead exposure is often connected to older homes, contaminated dust, or environmental exposure, but many families are surprised to learn how many everyday items may also contain lead.
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Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. As paint chips, cracks, or turns into dust, children can accidentally breathe or swallow contaminated particles.
Older pipes and plumbing fixtures can release lead into drinking water.
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Lead can remain in soil for decades from old paint, industrial pollution, or heavy traffic areas. Children playing outside may track contaminated dirt into the home.Lead can remain in soil for decades from old paint, industrial pollution, or heavy traffic areas. Children playing outside may track contaminated dirt into the home.
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Some imported spices, cosmetics, traditional remedies, cookware, candies, ceramics, toys, jewelry, or handmade goods may contain lead, especially products purchased overseas or through informal markets.Some imported spices, cosmetics, traditional remedies, cookware, candies, ceramics, toys, jewelry, or handmade goods may contain lead, especially products purchased overseas or through informal markets.
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Construction, painting, auto work, manufacturing, and renovations can bring lead dust home on shoes, clothing, skin, or tools.Construction, painting, auto work, manufacturing, and renovations can bring lead dust home on shoes, clothing, skin, or tools.
Possible Warning Signs
Trouble focusing or learning
Delayed development or speech
Irritability or mood changes
Fatigue or low energy
Stomach pain or appetite changes
Children Most At Risk
Children under age 6
Families living in older housing
Homes undergoing renovations
Families using imported goods or traditional products
Communities near industrial or high traffic areas
Learn The Signs. Know The Risk.
Many children with lead exposure do not look or feel sick right away.
Fact: Testing is the best way to know if a child has been exposed.
Try These Tips
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Small daily habits can make a big difference in reducing exposure. Older pipes and plumbing fixtures can release lead into drinking water.
Wash children’s hands often
Remove shoes at the door
Wet mop floors instead of dry sweeping
Wipe windowsills and surfaces regularly
Wash toys, bottles, and pacifiers frequently
Use cold water for drinking and cooking
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Healthy foods can help reduce how much lead the body absorbs.
Iron - Beans, Lean Meats, Spinach, and Eggs
Calcium - Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, and Leafy Greens
Vitamin C - Oranges, Tomatoes, Peppers and Berries
Children with healthy diets may absorb less lead than children with poor nutrition.
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A simple blood test can help identify lead exposure before serious health impacts occur.
Early detection can help:
Reduce future exposure
Access medical guidance and support
Identify environmental risks in the home
Connect to community resources
Testing is simple, fast, and one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child’s future.