Lead Poisoning Facts
Lead is a toxic metal. Exposure to lead can cause permanent health problems for children, pregnant women, and other adults. Lead is most harmful to children younger than six years old because their bodies are still developing. It can hurt their brains, kidneys, and other organs and cause learning and behavioral problems.
Lead is most often found in and around older homes. The biggest sources of lead in the home are lead-based paint and lead dust. Many older homes may contain lead-based paint on inside and outside surfaces.
Lead gets into the body when lead is ingested or inhaled. Most children are exposed to lead from chipping, peeling, or flaking lead-based paint, lead dust, and soil with lead in it. The lead dust or lead-contaminated soil can get on their toys and hands. It gets into their bodies when they put their dirty hands or toys into their mouths. Children can also be lead poisoned by chewing or sucking on painted surfaces or paint chips. Adults usually get exposed by breathing lead dust or lead fumes at work or while doing a hobby.