Most homes she targets were built before 1978, when lead paint and stains were commonly used. Despite stringent new laws, she says some of the risks are still lying beneath the surface and are exposed when paint wears away, leaving paint chips and dust.

 

Pediatric neurologist Dr. David Jaffe says the paint chips and dust left behind are a dangerous temptation for children -- especially when that lead becomes part of the dust in the house. Children easily pick up that dust and put their hands in their mouth, Jaffe said.

 

"What you have is the pathway by which the lead is actually ingested and becomes a chronic toxin for that child," he said.

 

According to Baldinger, toxic lead dust also can be released into the air by sanding or refinishing older surfaces, so it is important to use lead-safe practices to protect workers as well as residents.

 

"You should have protection for yourself, you should have plastic down, and you should do it wet, so that when you’re wet sanding so the dust doesn’t go everywhere," she said.

 

For young children, whose brains and central nervous systems are still developing, lead exposure, even at low levels, can have long-term consequences.

 

From the stomach, lead enters the bloodstream where it is distributed into soft tissue and organs. Ultimately, the lead goes into teeth and bones, where it can remain for decades.   

 

"The body thinks that lead is calcium, so if a child is not getting enough calcium per day, their 100 percent requirement, then the lead absorbs into the bones," Baldinger said.

 

Symptoms of lead poisoning in children often mimic Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and may include irritability and difficulty focusing. Some children experience hearing problems, headaches and slow growth. And the damage is irreversible.

 

"Removing the source of the lead exposure and even removing the lead from the child does not reverse chronic neurocognitive damage," said Jaffe.  

 

Even food you eat may pose a risk, depending on how you store it. Resist the temptation to serve or store anything acidic – from lemons to wine – in lead crystal or antique or foreign-made ceramic dishes. The longer it sits, the more lead dissolves into the food or liquid, making it toxic for children and adults. 

 

The only defense against lead poisoning is prevention. While you may not be able to eliminate lead from your home, you can keep a close eye on what your child is putting in his mouth, from toys to keys. The only sure way to know that a child has been exposed to lead is through a blood test.

 

In North Carolina, lead testing is done routinely on children who are Medicaid eligible, but not on other children. If your child is otherwise healthy and has a good diet, he or she will be less susceptible to lead poisoning. But if you live in an older home, or if you have concerns about lead exposure in your child, talk with your pediatrician.

Lead is a metal and is poisonous and toxic to people, especially children, when it is ingested. It is found in many products, including batteries, ammunition, solder, pipes, pottery glazes, printing inks and paint for industrial, military and marine use. Since lead has contaminated soil from past use of leaded paint and gasoline it continues to be at risk for children and adults.

 

Children are most at risk for lead poisoning for many reasons, including that children absorb about seven times more lead into their bodies than adults do. Children ingest more lead because they often put things into their mouth and eat nonfood items.

 

 

After being ingested, lead enters the bloodstream and is absorbed and stored in many tissues and organs in the body, including the liver, kidneys, brain, teeth and bones.

 

High levels of lead can cause serious health problems in your children. Lead poisoning can affect almost every organ system of the body, including:

 

    * brain and central nervous system, causing:

          o lower IQs

          o headaches

          o memory problems

          o reduced coordination

          o learning disabilities

          o irritability

          o hyperactivity

          o increased sleeping

          o decreased activity and fatigue

          o hearing loss

          o vomiting

          o slow reflexes

          o muscle weakness, affecting mainly the upper extremities

          o seizures, coma, hypertension in high levels

    * gastrointestinal system, causing:

          o constipation

          o diarrhea

          o abdominal pain

          o vomiting

          o poor appetite

          o weight loss

    * blood system, causing anemia or low blood counts

    * kidney problems

    * reproductive system, causing:

          o miscarriages

          o premature birth

          o low birth weight

 

  

Get young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy.

 

Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.

 

Make sure children eat healthy nutritious foods.

 

Get your home checked for lead hazards.

 

Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces.

 

Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.

 

Repair surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.

 

Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself.

 

Immediately remove recalled toys from children, return to point of purchase.

   

  

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