Lead
Fast Facts
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Lead is a potent toxin that can cause cancer, reproductive harm, neurological damage, cardiovascular problems, muscle and joint pain and developmental and growth delays in children
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Children are especially vulnerable to these potential effects, and women who are pregnant should also avoid exposure.
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Lead is found in our air, water and soil as well as some consumer products.
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Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause many serious health problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states there is no safe level of exposure to lead.
Lead is found in our air, water and soil and can also enter the environment from burning fossil fuels and from multiple industrial sources and mining activities. Additional exposures can come from consumer items in your home, such as some ceramics and toys. Aging lead paint in older homes continues to be a source of lead-contaminated paint chips and dust.
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The federal government is engaged in a multi-billion dollar replacement program for lead water pipes which is being conducted by the EPA and is expected to replace almost two million pipes nationwide. While this is a critical step in securing safe drinking water, there is great concern that they not be replaced with plastic (PVC) supply lines, which carry their own serious health risks. Copper pipes are the safest for supplying drinking water to homes.
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Children are at greater risk for exposure due to their still developing bodies and their close physical contact with things in their environment. They are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because they are more likely to swallow lead paint chips or breathe in dust containing lead.
Health problems associated with lead exposure include cancer, reproductive harm, neurological damage, cardiovascular problems, muscle and joint pain and developmental and growth delays in children. Neurological damage can be very serious in children and may be irreversible.
Recently, there has been a growing concern regarding lead tainted food and its packaging, especially food made for babies and toddlers.
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Suggestions for avoiding lead exposure:
• Remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead-contaminated soil
• Clean dust from floors and interior window sills with damp cloth
• Wash children's hands especially after using art materials that may contain lead, such as some crayons and paints. Soft plastic toys and jewelry made in other countries are not manufactured under the same U.S. lead safety standards.
•Eliminate lead- based paint hazards in older homes built before 1978
• Investigate ceramics made for food cooking or serving before purchasing.
Lead Resources
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Learn more about lead and its impact on children from the American Academy of Pediatrics
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has a web page with more information about lead poisoning.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has developed a detailed web resource with information about lead and how the NIEHS is working to learn more about the science.
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Learn about Lead at the US EPA's website: https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead