This dust can come from opening and closing windows and doors that contain lead-based paint. As they play with or touch objects, floors, or walls that have dust from leaded paint, then put their fingers into their mouth, they put lead into their bodies. Although lead paint for homes has been banned since 1978, the Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates 75 percent of housing has lead-based paint and that 14 percent of housing built before 1980 has dust levels exceeding the guideline of 10 micrograms per deciliter. As homeowners rip out walls and sand old paint, they disperse lead in the air that can permanently endanger their children. Remodeling kitchen cabinets and corners often creates the biggest problems.
Symptoms can include hearing problems, behavior problems, and learning problems.
Children with high lead levels may have poor appetite, stomach aches, vomiting, constipation, crankiness, loss of energy, mental and physical retardation, headaches, and trouble sleeping. Very high levels can cause coma and convulsions. This includes a day care center, preschool, babysitter's, or relative's home. Live in or reglarly visit a house built before 1960 with recent, ongoing, or planned renovation or remodeling. Have a sibling, housemate or playmate being tested for lead poisoning.