Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

What is lead & what is lead poisoning? 

Lead is a natural element found in our environment. Lead was once used in a variety of products such as gasoline, paint, pipes and plumbing materials, batteries, ceramics, jewelry, and cosmetics. When a person is exposed to lead, it can build up in the body, which is commonly referred to as lead poisoning or an elevated blood lead level. There is no safe level of lead in the human body.

What are the impacts of lead exposure? 

Lead exposure, even at low levels, has been shown to harm the developing brains and bodies of infants and young children. This includes a decreased intelligence or ability to learn, increased behavior problems, impaired school performance, increased juvenile delinquency, and increased childhood health problems such as speech and language delays, hearing problems, kidney damage, seizures, and, in rare cases, death.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs offered through Waukesha County Public Health

Many homes and apartments built before 1978 have lead paint or varnish on the walls, woodwork, windows and floors. Lead can harm children. Children under six years old can easily be poisoned by dust or chips from lead paint. If they play near windows and other places with worn-out or damaged paint, they can get lead dust on their fingers and toys. When they swallow lead dust it can cause illness. It can also cause problems with learning, growth and behaviors that can affect them their entire life. Even small amounts of lead can be harmful. Children living or spending time in older homes should be tested for exposure to lead.