In addition, lead taken in by the mother can interfere with the health of the unborn child. Children are particularly at risk because they absorb lead more easily than adults do. They are developing rapidly, and are more susceptible to the health hazards of lead. Contaminated dust is a particularly important source of exposure for babies and small children because they can ingest a significant amount of dust through their natural habit of putting things in their mouths. The degree of lead poisoning varies depending on the amount of lead we are exposed to, and for how long.
Studies show that prolonged exposure of children to even very small amounts of lead is serious.
Depending on the level of exposure, lead can cause anemia, impair the functions of the brain and nervous system, and can result in learning disabilities and an inability to concentrate. If your home was built before 1960, it was likely painted with a lead based paint. Most paints made before 1950 contained large amounts of lead. In fact, some paint made in the 1940 s contained up to 50 per cent lead by dry weight. Lead was used to make paint dry quickly and wear well, and to make the colours vibrant.