Even low levels can slow a child's development and cause learning a behavior problems. Children are most frequently lead poisoned by household lead paint dust. Lead dust is created by chipping or peeling paint, opening and closing lead painted windows, or repairs or renovations to lead painted surfaces. This lead dust rests on surfaces which children touch and then clings to their hands and toys. Children ingest this lead dust when they put their hands or toys into their mouths.
Children are also lead poisoned by mouthing lead painted surfaces and eating lead paint chips.
In rare instances, children are lead poisoned by lead contaminated water and soil. A blood test is the only sure way to detect lead poisoning. There are often no symptoms. Your doctor, health care provider, local health clinic, health department or lead poisoning prevention program can test your child's blood for lead. The Massachusetts Lead Law requires that all children be tested for lead annually between the ages of 9 months and 4 years.