Lead poisoning can be caused when a child eats lead paint chips, or breathes or eats lead dust. Lead is especially bad for children 6 years and younger because their small bodies absorb lead so easily.
Lead poisoning can slow a child's development and cause learning and behavior problems.
Even small amounts of lead can damage your child's brain, kidneys and stomach. Dust from sanding or removing old paint and wallpaper. Soil near a major highway or industry that uses lead, or around an older home with chipping outside paint. Old water pipes made of lead or newer fixtures that contain lead solder. Food grown in lead contaminated soil.