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Lead Poisoning

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used to make many products. Lead Poisoning occurs when too much lead gets into the body and is a serious but preventable health problem.

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is a shared responsibility of the Environmental Health and Epidemiology Departments. The program seeks to:

• Find children with high levels of lead in their blood
• Report all findings of lead poisoning
• Conduct home visitations for children with lead poisoning
• Conduct home and environmental inspections to expose problem areas
• Provide education and specific recommendations to parents on how to decrease their child's exposure to lead

Lead can alter a child's development and behavior, even in small levels. Children with lead poisoning may:

• Appear inattentive, hyperactive and irritable
• Have health problems such as anemia, hearing damage, and speech and language delays
• Suffer permanent brain damage, seizures, coma, and even death (after long term exposure).

Early identification and treatment greatly reduces the risk to your child. Have your children and your home tested for lead.