By Dr. Colleen Townsend, Partnership HealthPlan of California

Lead is a metal added to common materials such as gasoline, paint, pottery, dishware and makeup. People exposed to lead over time may become very sick and can die due to high lead levels in their body.

There is no safe lead level. Lead poisoning occurs when people swallow or breathe in lead particles, which then enter the body’s blood stream. Babies and young children are at highest risk for negative effects from lead poisoning. Lead harms the brain, slows growth and causes hearing, speech, learning and behavioral problems.

There are regulations in the United States that limit lead from being used in common products. However, lead is still found around us. Lead was used to make pipes that carry water into our homes; these pipes remain in older homes. Lead pipes are a common source for lead poisoning in children. Lead dust is found in dirt around older homes that were built and painted before 1978 with lead-based paint. Toys, jewelry and candy from other countries may also contain lead in them.

Children in households below the federal poverty level and those living in houses or apartments built before 1978 have a higher risk of lead exposure. Young children put their hands and objects into their mouths. When these items (toys, pottery and jewelry) have lead in them, the lead passes into the blood system and affects the brain and bones, causing problems with growth and development. Many countries outside of the United States do not regulate the use of lead paint in toys. Lead also passes from a mother to a developing baby in pregnancy. Adults who work in certain industries may be exposed to lead at work and bring lead home on their clothes and shoes.

Families can limit lead exposure and lead poisoning in the following ways: prevent young children from licking painted surfaces or eating paint chips (especially from homes built or painted before 1978); do not cook with, eat or drink from pottery made outside of the United States; avoid candy from outside of the United States; and limit the use of toys with old paint (from prior to 1978) and toys from other countries.

Most children with lead poisoning do not look or act sick. Children with high levels may have stomach problems, poor eating, headaches and they may be cranky. The lead level in children or adults can only be found with a blood test. Every child should complete standard blood lead screening tests before they are 6 years old. Medical practices that treat young children should have a standardized system for screening young children for lead levels. Screening should occur at 0-6 months, 12 and 24 months. All children should be screened at least once before they are 6 years old. Any child who is new to Medi-Cal should be screened if there is no record of a prior screen. Any child with a high risk for exposure who has not been screened should be tested.

Any amount of lead can make it hard for children to learn, pay attention and grow. When lead is found in the blood, the source of lead must be found and eliminated to prevent further lead poisoning. Based on the lead level and children’s symptoms, the medical provider will recommend more treatment to lower the lead levels.

Talk with your child’s primary care provider about lead screening and prevention of lead poisoning for your family.

Colleen Townsend, M.D., is the regional medical director for Partnership HealthPlan of California, a partner of Solano Public Health.

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