The threat of lead poisoning is real in Washington State, especially in older homes. This week is National lead poisoning prevention week, and now is a great time to learn how to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of lead. You can even consult the threat of lead poisoning in your neighborhood on our Washington Tracking Network site.

Risk

Lead is naturally present in the environment. You can find it in the air, the ground, the water, and even our homes. This can lead to health risks for children and adults.

Children under the age of 7 are the most exposed to serious but preventable threats from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in children causes learning and behavior problems. It also retards physical growth and mental development.

Lead poisoning in adults can increase blood pressure and cause kidney and reproductive problems in both men and women. In pregnant women, lead can also pass from the mother to her unborn baby.

In rare cases, lead poisoning can cause seizures, coma and death.

A blood test is available to measure the amount of lead in your blood and to estimate the amount of lead exposure. Apple Health requires 12 and 24 month testing for enrolled children. Learn more about the lead test in children.

Exposure

Lead-based paints and lead dust are the main sources of lead poisoning. Most homes built before 1978 probably contain lead-based paint.

Other sources may include soil, drink water, toys, jewelry, work and leisure materials, imported spices and traditional home remedies and cosmetics.

Lead enters the bodies of babies and children by:

• Breathe or swallow lead dust from lead-based paint or lead contaminated soil.
• Put hands and other objects containing lead dust in their mouths.
• Eat and drink food or water with lead.
• Use dishes or glasses containing lead.
• Play with toys with lead paint.

Lead enters the body of adults by:

• Breathe lead dust in areas where lead-based paint wears off, and during renovation or repair work that disturbs painted surfaces in older homes and buildings.
• Eat and drink food or water with lead.
• Use dishes or glasses containing lead.
• Work in a job or engage in hobbies with lead-acid materials, such as making batteries, fishing, or shooting with lead-based ammunition.

Prevention

Good news! Lead poisoning is preventable. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of lead exposure in your home:

• Keep your home clean and dust free.
• Inspect and maintain all painted surfaces. When old paint cracks and peels, it produces dangerous dust.
• Clean painted areas where friction can generate dust, such as doors, windows and drawers with a damp sponge or cloth.
• Safely renovate, repair and repaint old homes. Sanding or scraping the paint can create lead dust. Make sure the contractors are certified safe for lead. Review it Environmental Protection Agency Renovation, Repair and Painting Rules.
• Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys often.
• Learn to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water.
• Eat meals that are well balanced with calcium, iron and vitamin C. Children with healthy diets absorb less lead. The EPA offers advice on fight lead poisoning with a healthy diet (PDF).
• Remove your shoes and wash your hands after working or playing outdoors to avoid introducing soil that may contain lead.
• If you are exposed to lead at work, do not bring it home. Use separate work clothes and shoes. Shower before you get home or as soon as you get home. Put dirty work clothes in a plastic bag and wash them separately from other clothes.
• If you have a hobby that exposes you to lead, don’t contaminate your home. Keep children and pregnant women out of the area.
• Review toys and jewelry recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Avoid using home, folk or traditional remedies and cosmetics that contain lead (not using products with cultural or religious significance can be difficult; ask your doctor what is best for your family) like: Greta, Azarcon, Ghasard, Ba-baw-san, Sindoor and Kohl (also called surma or kajal).
• Avoid using imported pottery, tableware, and ceramics for food and drink if you are unsure if they contain lead.

See other resources to fight against lead poisoning on our site.