Children and Lead
Lead poisoning is the number one environmental hazard threatening children throughout the United States, affecting an estimated 240,000 children under the age of six. Children under 6 and pregnant women are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning because lead inhibits the proper physical and cognitive development of in children and infants. Even low levels of lead poisoning can cause hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, learning disabilities, lowered IQ, speech delay and hearing impairment. High levels of lead can cause severe mental disabilities, convulsions, coma or even death.
The most common lead hazard is lead paint which was used to paint houses until 1978. When lead paint chips, flakes or peels off, the paint and the invisible dust it creates can be ingested. Even a very small amount of lead paint chips or lead dust can be harmful.
Lead poisoning is completely preventable, yet hundreds of children in Maryland are diagnosed with elevated levels of lead in their blood each year and thousands of children go untested. Because of lead's effect upon a child's brain, thousands of Maryland children fail to reach their full potential and hundreds of communities are prevented from the benefits of the child’s long-term productivity. Studies have shown children who are lead poisoned are more likely to become involved with the juvenile justice system and that lead poisoned children are seven times more likely to drop out of school before graduating. 
Health Effects of Lead Poisoning
Children are frequently poisoned by ingesting lead dust that has accumulated on their hands, fingers, toys, or clothing from lead hazard sources like floors and windowsills. It takes only small amounts of lead to harm a child.
There is no safe level of lead. Lead will continue to accumulate in a child's body as long as the child is exposed to lead hazards.
Lead poisoned children rarely exhibit physical symptoms until lead levels are dangerously high. Symptoms like
• headache
• excessive sleeping
• irritability
• abdominal pains
• problems with balance and motor control
may be difficult to detect. The only way to know for certain if a child is being exposed to lead hazards is through a blood lead test.
Preventing Lead Poisoning
There are several things you can do in order to prevent lead poisoning.
1. Get your child’s blood lead level tested each year.
2. Wash your child’s hands often, especially before eating and sleeping.
3. Clean your child’s toys regularly.
4. Vacuum and mop your floors often.
5. Feed you child healthy foods. Iron, calcium and vitamin C can reduce the effects of lead.
6. Make your home lead safe. There are grants and loans available to help with removing or covering lead paint and replacing old windows with vinyl windows. There is even money available to help you move into a safer home.
Resources
Coalition to End Lead Poisoning
2714 Hudson St
Baltimore, MD 21224
410-534-6447
1-800-370-5323
www.leadsafe.org
info@leadsafe.org
Contact the Coalition to End Lead Poisoning for more information about lead poisoning and grants/loans for Baltimore and Maryland residents.
Baltimore City Health Department
210 Guilford Ave
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-396-4398
www.baltimorecity.gov/government/health/leadstat/index.html
Maryland Department of the Environment (Lead Poisoning Prevention Program)
www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/LeadCoordination/index.asp
LeadSafeHomes Baltimore
www.leadsafehomes.info/baltimore/mainpage.jsp
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