Children may be exposed to lead in old paint, soil or other sources in their environment. You can protect your family from lead poisoning by learning more about where lead is found and how to prevent exposure. If your child has been exposed to lead, you can find out from a simple blood test at the doctor's office.
Most children with elevated blood lead levels will not have high enough exposure to cause physical symptoms, but are at risk for lowered IQ and hyperactivity and attention problems. Higher blood lead levels can cause headaches, hearing loss, irritability, and abdominal pain.
Lead Exposure Risk by County
Every child is at risk of being exposed to lead. However, there are some areas in Virginia where the lead exposure risk is higher than other areas. Review the Lead Exposure Risk map to determine lead exposure risk in your area. Talk to your health care provider about getting your children tested for lead in their blood if:
- you think they may have been exposed to lead
- you live in a moderate, high, or very high risk area for lead exposure
- your children are at high risk for lead exposure, regardless of where you live in Virginia
Lead Poisoning Prevention Information
How are children exposed to lead?
- Paint. The main source of household lead exposure is from lead in paint, found in houses built before 1978. Dust and flaking paint, especially around friction surfaces such as doorways and window sills, is a major source of lead for children.
- Soil. Lead may be present in soil surrounding old buildings that were painted with lead paint, and close to roads, where lead from gasoline may have settled. You child can become exposed to lead if they play in bare soil and put their hands and feet in their mouths.
- Water. Lead may be in the water in older homes where the pipes, fixtures, or solder may contain lead. The VDH Office of Drinking Water can provide further information about water quality in Virginia.
- Adult professions and hobbies. Some professions and hobbies may expose parents to lead, which can then be brought to the home on their clothing. Visit our Information for Adults page for more information about these sources.
- Consumer products. Many consumer products, including some toys, jewelry, imported spices, cosmetics, medicines, and old vinyl blinds, may include lead.
- Traditional medicines. Some traditional medicines that have been known to contain lead include:
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- Azarcon, Ba-baw-san, Bali Gholia, Daw Tway, Ghasard, Greta, Kandu, Paylooah
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- Traditional cosmetics. Some traditional cosmetics that have been known to contain lead include:
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- Kajal, Kohl, Sindoor, Surma
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For more information about recalled products due to lead contamination, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
Is there lead in food?
Overall, food is not a major source lead. However, there are a few food sources that can be a risk for lead exposure:
- Some imported spices can contain lead, such as:
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- Kviteli kvavali, svanuri marili, kharcho suneli, utskho suneli, turmeric, curry, masala, and adjika.
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- Leafy greens grown in contaminated soil may be a source of lead from the dust
- Hunting with lead shot can be a source of lead in meat
How can I keep my family safe from lead in the environment?
Simple prevention measures can keep you and your family safe from sources of lead in your home. If you are pregnant, you should follow the same advice to avoid exposing yourself to lead, which can be passed on to your baby.
- Keep a clean environment by removing shoes when entering the house
- wet-wipe and wet-mop (especially around window sills and house entrances)
- Regularly wash children’s hands and toys. This can prevent lead exposure in older houses where lead paint has been used.
- Prioritize cleaning areas of the home where children under the age of three spend their time.
- Prevent children from playing in bare soil, and cover it by planting grass, or with mulch or wood chips. Avoid planting gardens close to old structures or roads.
- Wash children’s hands and change their clothes after playing outside to prevent bringing lead-contaminated soil into the house.
- Run the water for about a minute before use, and use cold water to cook, drink, and mix baby formula. This can help reduce exposure to lead if it is in your plumbing and contaminating your water.
It is important to use lead-safe practices when doing renovations on older homes. You can learn more about how to protect your family during home renovations at our page for homeowners.
Learn more about consumer goods that may have lead in them.
Adults who are exposed to lead through work or hobbies should take steps to avoid bringing lead into the home by:
- Changing clothes immediately after coming home
- Taking off shoes before entering the home
- Washing hands before entering the house or interacting with children
- Making sure children under 6 and pregnant women do not eat meat harvested with lead bullets.
How do I know if my child has been exposed to lead?
Testing your child’s blood may be the only way to determine whether your child is being exposed to lead. An initial screening is often done with blood collected from a finger prick, which can be tested in many doctor’s offices. If an elevated level of lead is detected, a follow-up test using blood collected from a vein may be needed to confirm the first test.
Children should be screened for lead at 12 and 24 months if they meet any of the following criteria. If not previously tested, children up to 72 months should be tested if they meet any of the following criteria:
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- Eligible for or receiving benefits from Medicaid or WIC
- Living in or regularly visiting housing or child care facility built before 1960
- Living in or regularly visiting housing built before 1978 with peeling or chipping paint or recent (within the last 6 months), ongoing or planned renovations
- Living with or regularly visiting housing in which one or more persons have evidence of lead exposure
- Living with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to lead
- Living near an active lead smelter, battery recycling plant, or other industry likely to release lead
- The child’s parent or guardian requests the child’s blood be tested due to any suspected exposure
- Recent refugee, immigrant, or child adopted from outside the U.S.
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What do I do if my child has lead in his or her blood?
The state of Virginia has guidelines for healthcare providers to follow for cases of children with blood lead levels equal to or higher than 3.5 μg lead/dL blood. The follow-up guidelines include interventions depending on the child's blood lead level. Interventions at lower blood lead levels include education about preventing lead exposure and follow-up testing, and at higher blood lead levels may include medical intervention. There is no medical treatment for children whose blood lead levels are below 45 μg/dL, so it is important to remove the source of lead and maintain a healthy diet.
If your child has lower levels of lead in their blood (below 10 μg/dL):
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- Learn about potential sources of lead exposure
- Remove sources of lead
- Consider all households or locations where your child spends time (including daycare or grandparents' houses)
- Lead levels will go down once the child is no longer exposed to lead
- Implement lead-safe practices in your household
- Talk to your doctor about when to have your child's blood tested again
- Follow a good diet for your family (anemia increases the risk of lead poisoning)
- Increase calcium, iron, and vitamin C in their diet
- Avoid fried and fatty foods
- Have the other children in the home under the age of 6 tested
If your child has higher levels of lead in their blood (10 μg/dL or higher), a case manager from your local health department will work with you on the next steps. These next steps may include a having your home tested for sources of lead by a professional.
What are the dangers of lead exposure during pregnancy?
Lead exposure during pregnancy can be harmful for both the mother and the baby. It can cause:
- Increased risk of stillbirth and miscarriage.
- Increased risk of the baby being born preterm.
- Increased risk of the baby having a low birthweight.
- Damage to the baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system.
- Future developmental and learning problems in the baby.
How can I keep myself and my baby safe from the harmful effects of lead?
There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby from the harmful effects of lead, such as:
- Wet-wipe and wet-mop around window sills and home entrances.
- Wash your hands often.
- Remove your shoes before entering your home.
- If a family member has a job or hobby that exposes them to lead, ask them to take off their shoes before coming inside and change their clothes immediately after coming home. Learn more about jobs or hobbies that increase risk of lead exposure here.
- Do not remodel your home, do not sand paint, and do not remove paint with a heat gun while you are pregnant.
How do I know if I am at risk of being exposed to lead?
You are at an increased risk of being exposed to lead if you:
- Live in a home built before 1978.
- Are a recent immigrant or refugee.
- Use imported pottery or ceramics to prepare and store food.
- Have old plumbing and pipes in your home.
- Live with someone who has a job or hobby that may expose them to lead, such as welding, metalwork, building renovation, stained glass, casting, or soldering.
- Developed pica (eating or putting non-food items in your mouth) during your pregnancy.
- Use traditional folk remedies or cosmetics.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and fall under any of these risk categories, ask your doctor to give you a blood lead test.
Recall Information
Please browse the product recall details in the "Recall Details" tab to the right to learn:
- What products are currently recalled
- Recommendations for parents on next steps to take if the product has been purchased or is in use
- Where and when the products were sold
- CDC recommendations for health care providers
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Natierra Freeze-Dried Blueberries
"BrandStorm Inc. announced it is voluntarily recalling 2 lots of Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberry pouches because of the presence or potential presence of lead above the FDA's recommended limits.
Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries 1.2oz were distributed in the United States through retail and online stores services. The issue is isolated [to] two batches of Natierra Freeze-Dried Blueberries with the following codes:
Lot 2021363-1, Best By Date: 12/2024
- 1 serving, 1.2oz (34g), UPC 812907011160
Lot 2022026-1, Best By Date: 01/2025
- 1 serving, 1.2oz (34g), UPC 812907011160
Consumers who purchased Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries 1.2oz, with lot Code 2021363-1 or 2022026-1 should discard the product. Refunds are available at the location of purchase."
The CDC encourages health care providers to:
- raise awareness among parents about these products.
- encourage parents to dispose of these items or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
- consider screening children for exposure to these and other lead sources and testing as indicated or during well-child check-ups.
For more information about this voluntary recall, please read the recall announcement on the FDA website.
Reference: FDA Announcement, CDC Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall on Big Game Hunters Mud Kitchens, outdoor play kitchens imported by DOM Sports and sold on Amazon.com. The brass water tap of the play kitchen contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban.
The Single Mud Kitchens were sold from July 2020 through December 2020 for about $200. The Triple Mud Kitchens were sold from July 2020 through November 2020 for about $300.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Big Game Hunters Mud Kitchen, remove and dispose of the brass water tap, and contact DOM Enterprises & Mfg. Ltd. (“DOM Sports”) for a free replacement water tap. Consumers will be contacted through Amazon’s messaging platform.
The CDC encourages health care providers to:
- raise awareness among parents about these products.
- encourage parents to stop using these items and contact DOM Enterprises & Mfg. Ltd. (“DOM Sports”) for a free replacement water tap. Consumers will be contacted through Amazon’s messaging platform.
- Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.
For more information about this recall, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall announcement.
Reference: CPSC Recall Announcement, CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall on Kolan Otter MOMO children’s sandals, models D741 and D723. These were sold on Amazon.com from March 2022 through April 2022. The sandals are being recalled because the inner layer of the recalled sandals contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. More information about this recall is available on the CPSC’s website.
It is encouraged that health care providers:
- Raise awareness among parents about these products.
- Encourage parents to stop using these items and contact Kolan for information on how to properly dispose of the shoes and receive a full refund. Kolan is contacting all known purchasers directly.
- Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issues a recall on Eames desk units and Eames storage units. The surface paint on the tan side panels of the desks and storage units contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban.
These products were sold at Herman Miller and Design Within Reach stores nationwide and online at store.hermanmiller.com, dwr.com and other websites from October 2020 through March 2022 for between $800 and $4,000.
Consumers should stop using the recalled desks and storage units immediately. Contact MillerKnoll for either a full refund and free pickup of the desks and storage units, or to receive a free repair kit that includes a replacement panel requiring a screwdriver and a needle nose plier for consumers to install. MillerKnoll is contacting all purchasers directly.
The CDC encourages health care providers to:
- raise awareness among parents about these products.
- encourage parents to stop using these items and contact MillerKnoll for either a full refund and free pickup of the desks and storage units or to receive a free repair kit that includes a replacement panel requiring a screwdriver and a needle nose plier for consumers to install. Additionally, MillerKnoll is contacting all purchasers directly.
- Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.
For more information, please read the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall announcement.
Reference: CPSC recall announcement, CDC Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Bentex is recalling children’s clothing sets due to violation of federal lead paint standards. The textile ink painted on the recalled clothing sets contains levels of lead that exceed either the federal lead paint ban or the federal lead content ban, posing a lead poisoning hazard.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled children’s clothing sets away from children and contact Bentex for instructions on how to return or dispose of the recalled clothing to receive a full refund. The recalled clothing sets were sold at TJMAXX, DD's/Ross, Burlington, Army & Airforce Exchange Service and other stores nationwide and online at www.amazon.com from November 2021 through August 2022 for between $5 and $25.
For more information about this recall, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall announcement.
Reference: CPSC recall announcement, CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Green Sprouts Toddler’s Stainless-Steel Bottles and Cups are being recalled because they contain a bottom base that can break off and expose a lead-containing solder dot, posing a lead poisoning hazard to the child.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled stainless steel bottles and cups away from children and discard the bottles and cups. Contact Green Sprouts for a full refund in the form of store credit or your money back. Green Sprouts is contacting all known purchasers directly. These products were sold at Buy Buy Baby and Whole Foods stores nationwide and online at amazon.com, www.buybuybaby.com and www.bedbathandbeyond.com from January 2020 through September 2022 for between $14 and $19.
The CDC encourages health care providers to:
- Raise awareness among parents about these products.
- Encourage parents to stop using these items and contact Green Sprouts for a full refund of the purchase price. Green Sprouts can be contacted at (800) 876-1574 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at ContactUs@GreenSprouts.com, or online at https://greensproutsbaby.com/pages/swssbrecall or at www.GreenSprouts.com (click on the ”Safety” link at the bottom of the home page for more information).
- Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.
For more information, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall announcement.
Reference: CPSC recall announcement, CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The children’s headbands contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled products away from children, stop using them and contact Hatley USA for a full refund. Consumers should break the headband and send Hatley USA a photo of the destroyed recalled products by email at service@hatley.com. Upon receipt of the photo, consumers will be issued a full refund of the purchase price. Consumers can also return the recalled products to any Hatley USA store. Hatley USA is contacting all known purchasers directly.
The CDC encourages health care providers to:
- Raise awareness among parents about these products.
- Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.
For more information, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall announcement.
Reference: CPSC recall announcement, CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The fishing rods contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled fishing rods away from children, stop using them and contact Lil Anglers for a full refund or free replacement fishing rod. The company can be reached toll-free at 844-347-4543 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, by email at info@anything-possible.com or online at https://www.kidcastersrecall.com or at https://profishiency.com/kidcasters and click on Recall Information on the top of the page for more information.
The rods were sold as part of the Kid Casters No Tangle Combo which includes a 34-inch inline rod and reel combo, plastic casting plug, rattle bobber and a pre-tied snap swivel. The reel has a 3.3:1 gear ratio and is equipped with a 6 lb. line. The model numbers and date codes can be found on the fishing rod.
The CDC encourages health care providers to:
- Raise awareness among parents about these products.
- Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.
For more information, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall announcement.
Reference: CPSC recall announcement, CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Copitas are small artisan cups traditionally used for drinking mezcal. These cups are being recalled because they may exceed FDA guidance levels for leachable lead. To date, no complaints of illness or injury related to usage of the copitas have been reported. Del Maguey is conducting a voluntary recall purely as a precautionary measure.
The copitas were distributed free-of-charge to consumers at retail locations, events and tastings across the United States. Consumers should not use and should discard the copitas covered by this recall. Del Maguey is working with a new supplier to resolve this issue and produce new copitas. Consumers who have questions or would like to receive the new copitas may e-mail consumercare@delmaguey.zendesk.com or visit https://delmagueyconsumercare.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new.
The CDC encourages health care providers to:
- Raise awareness among parents about these products.
- Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.
For more information, please visit the Food and Drug Administration Voluntary Recall announcement.
Reference: FDA recall announcement, CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The paint on the recalled electric bikes contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, posing a lead poisoning hazard.
The recalled bikes are painted with a yellow exterior and black interior color with a high-gloss finish. The recalled bikes have the Bunch logo on the side of the passenger box and were sold as The Preschool 2020 edition starting in 2020, The Preschool and then The Preschool 3.0. The rear half of the frame uses rectangular tubing and the handlebars are mounted on both the left and right side of the passenger box. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Preschool electric bicycle and contact Bunch Bikes for free replacement wood panels. Bunch Bikes is contacting all purchasers directly.
The CDC encourages health care providers to:
- Raise awareness among parents about these products.
- Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.
For more information, please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall announcement.
Reference: CPSC recall announcement, CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The stainless-steel cups contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban.
This recall involves improperly manufactured 8 oz. and 12 oz. models of CUPKIN Double-Walled Stainless Steel Children’s Cups sold in pairs. Both sizes of the recalled cups were sold in 12 different color combinations including a matching straw: blue and green, pink and purple, blue and gray, peach and teal, black and white, coral and yellow, green and pink, polignac and potpourri, brown and peach, rust and salmon, aqua and periwinkle, and cobalt and mint. "Cupkin" is printed on the front bottom of the cups. Consumers should immediately take the cups away from children and stop using them. Contact Soojimus for a full refund. Soojimus and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers directly.
The CDC encourages health care providers to:
- Raise awareness among parents about these products.
- Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.
For more information please visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall announcement.
References: CPSC recall announcement, CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program