Childhood Lead Poisoning Lead poisoning is the most common environmental disease affecting children in our country today. We have released lead into our environment by adding it to gasoline, paint, pottery and some industrial processes. Homes and buildings built before 1978 will almost certainly contain some lead-based paint.
Lead poisoning can cause serious health problems for children.
It can slow their growth, cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems, and damage major organs such as the kidneys and brain. Children between the ages of one and six years are most at risk for lead poisoning. Because young children often put their hands and toys in their mouths, they can swallow lead that gets on their hands and toys from dust, dirt and chipping paint. Lead-based paint is not the only source of lead inside homes and child care programs. Children at risk for lead poisoning should have a blood lead test.