For children, a blood lead level of over ten micrograms per deciliter is dangerous, she says. Higher blood lead content can result in lower IQ scores, cognitive deficits, speech and language problems, attention deficits and hearing loss. Children from 6 months to 2 years are most at risk because they are in the crawling and mouthing-behavior stage and have a tendency to chew on rattles, bottles and toys, which are frequently dropped. Children exposed to lead can receive special medical treatments that help remove lead faster than the body can eliminate it, Dr. Mohr says. If you are concerned, have your doctor take a blood sample to screen for lead.
Treatment is recommended, but find the source of lead.
Your home may be safe, but consider where else your child spends time at day care or with grandparents. If you wish to quote from any part of this story, please credit National Jewish Medical And Research Center as the original source.