Lead Poisoning; Are Your Children in Danger?

By Remy Lindsey R.N., PHN

Printed in the Family Post: Holiday Issue 2007

Why is there a concern about Lead in our environment? In 1991, the California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act declared childhood lead exposure as the most significant environmental health problem in the state and established the Childhood Lead Prevention Program (CLPP). The CLPP provides funding for environmental health agencies and health departments to take the necessary steps to reduce the incidence of childhood lead exposure in California.

Where is lead found?

Lead has been used in paint, gasoline, water pipes and many other products. Currently many lead-containing products are being phased out. Lead paint was severely restricted in 1978, lead solder in food cans was banned in the 1980’s and lead in gasoline was removed during the early 1990’s. The good news is that since that time the percentage of children with high levels of lead in their blood has gone from 88% in the 1970’s to 1.6% in 2005.

Lead dust can be brought home on clothes & shoes from work or hobbies. We can be exposed to lead through some occupations such as radiator repair, construction, soldering and scrap-metal recycling. Certain hobbies may also expose us: pottery making, working with stained glass and casting or using lead weights for fishing. It can also be found in bullets & “shot” used in guns. Other sources include some home remedies (“greta” and “azarcon”, which are used to treat upset stomach, and imported cosmetics (Surma, Kohl, Lozeena, Pay-loo-ah), some imported or handmade pottery or tableware and imported candies containing chili or tamarind. Imported foods in cans that are sealed with lead solder are also a source. Lead has been found in vinyl lunchboxes. Lead is added to the vinyl to make it stronger and last longer. Some vinyl mini-blinds have also been treated with lead. As we have all noticed, there has recently been recalls of children’s jewelry, vinyl lunchboxes and many toys. Children can be exposed through the soil in which they play if it is near roadways or factories or if gasoline from old cars has leached out into the dirt. The most common source of exposure in children is peeling paint or renovations in homes built before 1978.

How will I know if I or my children have lead poisoning?

Until blood lead levels become extremely high there are no symptoms. The only way to tell is through a blood test. The CLPP recommends that all children be tested at 12 months and again at 24 months. It is also important that pregnant women be tested as lead can be transferred to the developing fetus. Young children are at highest risk because they crawl around on the floors where lead dust might be and put everything in their mouths. Ask yourself; do I currently live, or have I recently lived, in a home built before 1978 that has peeling and chipping paint, especially around the windows. Or do I live in a home built before 1978 which has been renovated. If your answer is yes you & your family should probably be tested.

How does Lead affect my children?

Lead in the blood in small amounts can make it hard for children to learn, pay attention and succeed in school. Mild lead poisoning has been associated with hyperactivity, irritability, sleeplessness and behavioral problems. More severe lead poisoning may lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle soreness, anemia, seizures or coma. High blood lead levels can damage the nervous system, kidneys, affect hearing and other major organs.

What happens if my child has an elevated blood lead level? The CLPP has very specific guidelines which are followed by your Nevada County Public Health Department and Pediatrician. Depending on the result you may be offered telephone counseling or a home visit and education. We will assist you in discovering the source of the lead so it can be removed. We will continue to watch your child with your M.D. doing periodic testing until the level drops. With moderate to high levels an Environmental Investigation is done. With very high levels your M.D. will order “chelation” with medications which brings the lead out of the body.

What can I do to protect my child from lead poisoning?

Wash your child’s face & hands frequently. Wash counters and floors to limit lead dust. Remove shoes and clothing before entering your home if you work in an occupation with possible lead exposure. A healthy diet is very important. Lead will compete with Calcium, Vitamin C & Iron in the body so if a child is getting enough of these vitamins they are less likely to have lead poisoning. If you would like more dietary information please ask your doctor or talk to the WIC staff. If you are doing remodeling on a home built before 1978 be sure to hire a contractor who is certified in the safe removal of lead-based paint.

Testing for lead in your home can easily be accomplished by purchasing a lead testing kit from your local hardware or paint store. The kit can be used to test most household items such as: paint on furniture, painted window sills, toys, jewelry, vinyl lunchboxes, pottery and handmade serving pieces. It cannot be used to test for lead in the soil.

For more information you can visit the California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention branch website at www.dhs.ca.gov/childlead. For specific information on recalled toys and other items visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov. We at your Nevada County Public Health Department will continue to post important recall and lead information at our Nevada County website www.mynevadacounty.com. You are welcome to call the Public Health Department at (530) 265-1450 for more information.