Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. Houses or childcare centers built before 1978 may have lead-based paint on walls, doors, windows, and sills. The primary source of exposure to children is through the dust from deteriorating lead-based paint. Use only certified lead workers for any renovation, repairs, or painting!
Lead in drinking water is a potential source of exposure for formula fed infants and fetuses. Have your water tested, use certified lead-free bottled water, or an NSF approved filter. www.nsf.org
- Information about Lead in Drinking Water: What You Can Do
- World Health Organization (WHO) LEAD FACT SHEET
- Governor's Proclamation
Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. There is no safe blood lead level, and even low levels of lead in blood can potentially affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. The effects of lead exposure cannot be reversed.
Prevent lead poisoning. Get your home tested. Get your child tested. Get the facts!
The goal is to prevent lead exposure to children before they are harmed. There are many ways parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead. The most important is stopping children from coming into contact with lead. Lead hazards in a child’s environment must be identified and controlled or removed safely. Please ask your provider to test your child at age one and two years of age.
Blood Lead Testing Data Requests: leaddatarequests@vdh.virginia.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act
Many parents are concerned about the safety of children’s toys and products. Due to a spike in national recalls for toys containing high levels of lead during 2008, federal legislation was passed that limits the amount of lead in toys and products for children 12 years of age and under.
To help you stay informed of the latest product recalls, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
To read more about the Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act (CPSCIA), go to Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.
Folk Medicines: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/folkmedicine.htm
Mexican Candy: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/candy.htm
Toys: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/toys.htm
Toy Jewelry: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/jewelry.htm