Faucets and plumbing fittings may legally contain up to 8 percent lead. The greatest risk is to infants using formula mixed with contaminated water. Other lead sources. Lead can leach into food or beverages stored in imported ceramics or pottery and leaded crystal and china. Even small amounts of lead can harm a child's brain, kidneys and stomach.
Lead poisoning can slow a child's development and cause learning and behavior problems.
A child may have lead poisoning and not feel sick. Or the child may have stomach aches, headaches, a poor appetite or trouble sleeping, or be cranky, tired or restless. There is new evidence that lead poisoning is harmful at blood levels once thought safe. Lower IQ scores, slower development and more attention problems have been observed in children with lead levels as low as 10 micrograms per deciliter. A blood test is the only way to find out if a child has too much lead.