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Lead is Harmful to Children
Exposure to lead can cause brain damage, reading and learning difficulties, lowered IQ, temper and
attention problems and kidney failure. A simple blood test can identify elevated lead levels.
Children are Exposed to Lead in Many Ways
Lead can be in the paint.
Homes built before 1978 may have been painted with lead-based paint.
Tips:
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Keep children away from chipped and peeling paint.
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Damp wipe window sills and wells once a week.
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Wash toys, stuffed animals and pacifiers often.
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Lead can be in dust.
Lead paint dust can be created by sanding old paint or from windows and doors rubbing against a
painted surface. Dust is the main source of lead poisoning in the Portland Metropolitan area.
Tip:
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Make sure children wash their hands before meals, snacks and bedtime.
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Lead can be in the soil.
Children can come into contact with lead when they play in dirt around homes that were painted
with lead-base paint.
Tip:
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Have children play on grass or other surfaces.
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Lead can be in the water.
Lead can leach into tap water when it stands in pipes joined with lead solder. Homes that have
plumbing installed between 1970 and 1985 are most likely to have elevated levels of lead in
drinking water.
Tips:
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Use only fresh water from the cold water tap for drinking, cooking or
making baby formula.
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When a faucet is not used for more than 6 hours, run the cold water
tap until the water feels noticeable colder (about 30 – 60 seconds).
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Lead can be brought home on the clothing
Parents who work in jobs like plumbing, welding or painting may bring home lead on
work clothes.
Tips:
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Don’t wear work clothes around the house.
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Wash these clothes separately.
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Lead can be in some glazed pottery and folk medicine remedies.
Tips:
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Never use dishes that may contain lead for holding food.
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Avoid remedies that contain lead (amarcon, greta, pay-loo-ah,
rueda and kohl).
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