Ripple effects of childhood lead poisoning
In addition to causing health and behavioral problems in children, lead poisoning may result in serious costs to both a child's future and to society.
In the news
- Poisons lurk where lead-smelting factories once stood – USA TODAY
- Thursday, April 19, 2012
- A 14-month USA TODAY investigation found that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulators left thousands of families and children in harm’s way, doing little to assess the danger around many of the more than 400 potential lead … Continue reading

- Lead Poisoning from Gold Mining
- Tuesday, April 17, 2012
- In the Nigerian state of Zamfara, a gold boom has led to a medical disaster with more than 400 children dead from lead poisoning and thousands sickened. It is believed to be the worst lead poisoning epidemic in modern history. … Continue reading

- Lead Poisoning Prevention in Newly Arrived Refugee Children: CDC Tool Kit
- Tuesday, April 03, 2012
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Lead Poisoning Prevention Program in conjunction with the Office of Refugee Resettlement developed the Lead Poisoning Prevention in Newly Arrived Refugee Children tool kit in response to the increasing number of refugee … Continue reading

- Contact Your Senators: Help Prevent Lead Poisoning and Hazards in Homes
- Thursday, March 22, 2012
- Lead poisoning is completely preventable. Your immediate involvement is critical to prevent lead poisoning and help families whose children are lead poisoned. Federal funding for programs that support this work are being cut drastically and have already been decreased significantly … Continue reading

- To protect children from lead, fix pregnant women’s homes – NPR
- Tuesday, March 13, 2012
- The Heavy Metal Project in St. Louis is working to prevent lead exposure in children by testing the homes of pregnant women for lead paint and removing any lead before a child is born. Researchers found that babies whose homes … Continue reading

- Cuts to lead poisoning prevention program – NBC Nightly News
- Tuesday, March 13, 2012
- The Centers for Disease Control’s Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is facing a 94% cut in funding – from $29 million in fiscal year 2011 to $2 million in fiscal year 2012. The program funds 35 state health … Continue reading

- Companies Face Fines for Lead Paint Disclosure Violations at Two Navy Bases in New England
- Thursday, January 12, 2012
- Two companies face a possible fine of $153,070 for violating lead paint disclosure laws at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine and the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency asserts in its … Continue reading

About Lead Safe Illinois
Lead Safe Illinois is a campaign to eliminate lead poisoning in Illinois. Our efforts include raising awareness and advocating for legislation and policy reform to prevent childhood lead poisoning.
Lead Safe Illinois is convened by the
Loyola Civitas ChildLaw Center's Policy Institute.
Childhood Lead Poisoning: A Historical Perspective
Preparing for a new baby
Expectant parents can take several steps to protect themselves and their babies from lead hazards.
How to prepare for a new baby
Testing blood lead levels
Laws
Download the Benchbook on Lead Paint Poisoning, which outlines Chicago and Illinois laws, and learn about state and federal laws on lead poisoning.




