Lead Poisoning and Prevention Program
What is lead?
Lead is a metal found in our natural environment. Over time, it has been used in products such as paint, varnish, and gasoline. Due to its wide use, lead can be found in most of our communities.
What is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning occurs when a detectable level of lead is found in the blood. There is no safe level of lead for any person, but it can be very harmful to children, pregnant woman or adults who have long-term exposure.
- Lead poisoning can cause brain damage, reduced IQ and attention span, learning disabilities, developmental delays, hearing loss, and other health problems such as seizures, coma and, in rare cases, death.
- Most childhood lead poisoning occurs when children swallow lead dust or lead paint chips.
- Lead poisoning is the most preventable childhood disease.
Primary Sources of Lead
The four primary ways that people are exposed to lead is:
- Lead-based paint
- Dust from lead-based paint
- Soil contaminated with lead
- Water contaminated with lead
Other Resources