Even low blood lead levels can be harmful to children and have been associated with decreased intelligence as a longterm complication. Most children with elevated lead levels have no symptoms until they reach extreme levels. The only way to tell they have lead poisoning is to test their blood. Young children, especially those 18-24 months old, are at greatest risk for lead poisoning because they often put their hands in their mouths and thus are more likely to eat dust, paint, and soil contaminated with lead.
Children also absorb lead more easily.
This usually happens in older homes, and especially those that are being or have recently been remodeled. Drinking water that has moved through lead pipes. Being exposed to lead dust carried by family workers who work with lead. Eating food served on lead-glazed pottery or improperly fired ceramic ware. Eating food taken from lead-soldered cans.