Lead Poisoning

Lead can hurt a child in several ways. It can harm a child’snervous system and brain when they are still forming. It can lead to a low blood count (anemia).

Small amounts of lead in the body can make it hard for children to learn, pay attention, and succeed in school. Lead can reduce IQ. Higher amounts of lead exposure can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and other major organs. Very high exposure can lead to seizures or death.

Children under six years old and fetuses are at greatest risk of harmful health effects from lead poisoning for several reasons: Their brains and nervous systems are still forming; they frequently crawl on floors or furniture contaminated with lead dust and put their hands or other objects in their mouths; more of the lead that gets into their mouth is taken up into their bodies; much of the lead is stored in their bones; lead remains in their bodies for a long time.

Children can be exposed to lead from a number of sources: lead paint in homes and buildings built before 1978, lead contaminated soil near roadways or factories, lead contaminated dust from paint or soil, and from take homeexposure, i.e., when lead dust gets on workersclothing, equipment or their vehicles which are then brought home.

Most children who have lead poisoning do not look or act sick. Symptoms if present may be confused with commonchildhood complaints, such as stomachache, crankiness, headaches, or loss of appetite. The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is for the child to get a blood test for lead.

Talk to your child‘s health care provider to see if your child is at risk for lead poisoning.

Your child may need a blood test for lead. Children aged 12 months and 24 months who are enrolled in a publically funded health care such as MediCal, Child Health and Disability Prevention Program, and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants and Children, or Healthy Families are at high risk and should be tested.

Government health programs and most health insurance plans will cover the cost of these tests. Children enrolled in a publically funded health care who are between 24 months and 6 years old that have not been tested at the appropriate times should be tested. Young children under six years of age who spend time in homes, childcare centers, or buildings built before 1978 that have chipping or peeling paint should be tested. Any infant or child who is thought to be at risk or comes in contact with items that may contain lead should be tested.

Lead is a natural mineral that has been used in many products. Lead is harmful to the human body. There is no known safe level of lead in the body. Small amounts of lead can build up in the body and cause lifelong learning and behavior problems. Buildup of lead in the body is referred to as lead poisoning. Lead Poisoning is the most common environmental illness in California children.

The United States has taken many steps to remove sources of lead, but lead is still around us. Lead in paint was severely restricted in 1978. Lead solder in food cans was banned in the 1980s. Lead in gasoline was removed during the early 1990s.

Workers can be exposed to lead and develop lead poisoning, especially if they work in battery manufacturing, radiator repair, construction, soldering, recycling, painting, demolition, scrap metal, recycling, working with stained glass, pottery making, target shooting, and casting fishing weights.

Lead poisoning is treatable and is preventable. If you are concerned that you or your child may have lead poisoning, we can provide advice and help you obtain compensation for medical care.

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