Due to the nature of the exposure, the most at-risk population is children. Lead poisoning affects 890,000 children a year and it's found most often in homes that are pre-1940, when paints were leaded. The paint starts to peel, chip or flake and as a result, a child maybe crawling, ingesting or dragging it around on their feet. Lead is not just in indoor paint, but outdoor as well. And the concern is the dust that is created when it crumbles.
Lead poisoning affects the central nervous system and the bloodstream.
In very low doses, it has been linked to developmental deficits in IQ, hearing and even physical growth. Higher levels affect the nervous system and brain, and can cause anemia, lead colic and even death. What You Can Do If you are concerned that your house has leaded paint, particularly if it was built before 1978 according to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines, contact your local health department to inquire about the availability of lead paint tests in your area. Have your child's blood tested if he or she exhibits any symptoms of delayed development, lethargy or behavioral changes that could have been caused by exposure to lead or lead paint at home, daycare or school. Check the piping that carries the water supply to your home for lead and lead soldering.