At high levels, lead can cause permanent brain damage and even death. Parents should make sure that their homes are free of lead paint and that the lead level in their drinking water is acceptably low. A simple and inexpensive blood test all can determine whether or not a child has a dangerous level of lead in his or her body. The test can be obtained through a physician, or public health agency. Early identification and treatment of lead poisoning reduces the risk that children will suffer permanent damage.
Treatment begins with removal of the child from the sources of the lead.
Medications can remove lead from the body. Free distribution of single Facts sheets is a public service made possible by the Academy Endowment Fund. This fund supports educational programs and materials designed to educate parents, families, teachers, caregivers, and others about the mental illnesses affecting nearly 12.5 million children and adolescents in an effort to de-stigmatize these illnesses, promote early identification and treatment, and encourage funding for scientifically based research. Please make a tax deductible contribution to the Academy Endowment Fund and support this public outreach. Facts for Families is developed and distributed by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry .