Lead is a toxic metal that can affect children’s development and health. Pregnant women, infants, and young children are particularly vulnerable to health effects from lead. Lead can build up in the body over time when a person is repeatedly exposed. No level of lead is safe. Even small amounts can harm children. Lead can affect learning, speech, hearing, and overall development. It may lower IQs and increase hyperactivity.
Lead is found in many places. Young children may breathe or swallow it. The health manager can help find and remove possible lead sources. For example:
- Paint chips, dust, water pipes, and plumbing fixtures
- Soil near highways, airports, and factories
- Some toys, jewelry, candies, pottery, and traditional home remedies
- Jobs and hobbies that use lead-based products
- Shoes, clothing, or pets
Tips and Strategies for Lead in Drinking Water, Paint, and Soil
- Find out if your building has lead paint, and take steps to make the space safe.
- Test all sources of water used for drinking and cooking. Become familiar with the state or Tribal regulations for testing drinking water. Talk to the local health department and other agencies that can help programs test for lead.
- Learn what steps to take if your facility’s drinking water contains lead.
- Find out if your facilities have any lead service lines. Be aware of construction in the area that could release lead from a service line.
- Work with community health partners and the Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee to make sure your community has safe drinking water and share this information with families.
- Prevent exposure to lead in soil by, for example, covering outdoor sand boxes when not using them, using door mats to clean shoes when going inside, and removing shoes when indoors, especially in infant and toddler classrooms.
