LCDC - Farm Family Health Vol. Children are tireless and inquisitive explorers of their environment, without awareness of the dangers of heights, or the hazards of toxic chemicals. Child-proofing' their environment is necessary to keep them safe and healthy.
Lead poisoning remains among the most serious environmental threats to children.
Children exposed to high levels of lead can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, behaviour and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches. Emissions from automobiles burning leaded gasoline have contaminated some soils and dust, especially those near highways. Lead-based paints are also common in older homes and furniture.