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Protecting Your Child from Lead Poisoning
Healthfirst NJ understands that protecting and keeping your child healthy is important to you. That is why we would like to inform you about the dangers of lead poisoning in children.

How do I know if my child has lead poisoning?
Lead is dangerous for children ages six (6) and younger because it can cause serious health problems. Your child may not look or feel sick, but may have lead in his or her blood. A blood lead test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning.

What children are at risk for lead poisoning?
All children are at risk for lead poisoning.

All children must be tested for lead at:

9-18 months (best at 12 months), and;
18-26 months (best at 24 months).

Any child under the age of six (6) years who has never been tested for lead should be tested immediately.

What circumstances increase the risk of lead poisoning?
Your doctor may do more testing if you answer “yes” or “I don’t know” to any of the following risk questions below:

Is your child now living in (or being cared for in) a building built before 1978?
Is your child now living in (or being cared for in) a building built before 1978 that is being remodeled?
Does your child live with an adult whose job or hobby involves lead? (For example, painters, home improvement workers, or fishermen).
Have you ever been told your child has high levels of lead in his or her blood?

What are the health effects of lead poisoning?
It varies. Even low levels of lead can make children sick. Some health problems that can be caused by lead poisoning include:

• Behavior problems
• Learning problems
• Hearing problems
• Damage to the brain

• Hyperactivity
• Anemia
• Slower growth and development
• At very high levels: seizures, coma, death

How do children get lead poisoning?
Children are surrounded by lead. Some of the ways children can get lead poisoning include:

Lead-Based Paint: The paint used in homes built before 1978 contained a lot of lead.
Soil: Pollution and lead exhaust from cars remains on the ground. Paint on the outside of older
buildings may chip and fall to the ground.
Dust: Dust may contain lead, particularly around windowsills.
Air: Dust containing lead may get into the air and be breathed in.
Water: Water pipes in some homes may be joined together with metal (solder), which contains lead.
Jobs and Hobbies: Auto mechanics and home repairers may work with lead. Lead is also
found in materials used in hobbies like fishing, target shooting, and painting.
Homemade Medicines or Makeup: Ingredients from other countries may contain lead (for example, azarcon, greta, surma, kohl, or pay-loo-ah).

What can I do to prevent childhood lead poisoning?

Take children for regular doctor checkups.
Wash children’s hands before meals, before sleeping, and after playing.
Wash toys after use.
Wash pacifiers often.
Do not allow children to play in the dirt.
Eat foods high in fiber, iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
Use cold water for cooking, drinking, and making baby formula.

Run cold water one minute before use.
Wet-mop floors and wipe window frames, windowsills, and other surfaces weekly. Wipe in one direction only.
Use a damp cloth when dusting.
Keep children away from chipping and peeling paint.
Leave shoes at the door.
If a family member works with lead (for example, auto mechanic, construction worker, or fisherman)wash work clothes separately.

Live Healthy