Lead is a poisonous metal. It is found in many places, especially in paint in homes built before 1960. It can also be in dust, water and soil. Lead is a poison. Too much lead in the body can cause a serious health risk to children.
Lead poisoning can impair children's health, learning and behavior.
Most children who have elevated blood lead levels do not have symptoms. You must have your child tested to learn if your child is at risk for health problems related to lead poisoning. Most commonly, lead-based paint is the cause of lead poisoning. When this paint peels, or when it rubs against another surface, it can break into paint chips or crumble into dust. Young children can swallow lead dust and paint chips when they put fingers, toys, or pacifiers in their mouths.