Lead Poisoning

It is a disease caused by swallowing or inhaling lead.

Your children face the greatest risk.  Children living in older homes that have peeling or chipping paint or whose home is being renovated a much higher risk.  Children living close to industrial areas are also at increased risk.

·         Low level of lead exposure may not be obvious: however excitability, hyperactivity, poor attention and easy frustration may be some behavioral problems attributable to lead exposure in children.

·         Higher lead level in children may have more obvious symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, headache, clumsiness, weakness or vomiting.

Children are screened at 9 to 12  months.  High risk children should be screened as they grow..

·         Be alert for chipping or peeling paint.

·         Don’t let children eat snow or icicles or put dirt in their mouths.

·         Use lead-free safe interior paints for your home.

·         Always wash hands before eating.

·         Do not store food in cans.

·         Test your water for lead and draw water for drinking from cold tap only.