How Do Children Become Lead Poisoned?

By Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist, City of Dubuque Health Services

Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. In Dubuque, approximately 12% of children tested are lead poisoned. This affects virtually every system in the body and often occurs with no signs or symptoms. Lead can damage a child’s central nervous system (their brain), kidneys, and reproductive systems, and at higher levels, can cause coma, convulsions, and death. Even low lead levels are harmful and cause decreased intelligence, behavioral and developmental problems, decreased stature and physical growth, and impaired hearing.

One of the most important risk factors for lead poisoning is the age of the house in which the child lives or spends time. Over 90% of all homes built before 1978 in Dubuque have lead-based paint. The older the house, the more likely it is to contain lead-based paint and in higher concentrations. Also, the older the house, the more likely the paint will be deteriorated, causing chipping, peeling, and lead dust throughout the house.

Children between 12 and 36 months of age have a lot of hand-to-mouth activity, so if there is lead in their homes, they are more likely to take it in than are older children. Children like to look out the window, which often contains chipping and peeling paint and lead dust. They put their hands on the windowsill and then in their mouth. Likewise, their toys can become contaminated with lead dust also ending up in the child's mouth. Children are most at risk for lead poisoning up to the age of six years, when the most rapid growth and development of the body is taking place.

Things you can do to reduce the chances of your child becoming lead poisoned include frequent hand washing; washing toys; wet washing window sills and floors weekly; keeping painted surfaces in good condition; and providing healthy meals and snacks.

The only way to know if your child is lead poisoned is to ask your doctor for a blood test. It is recommended that all children be tested for lead poisoning at the age of one year, and periodically after depending on their risk and previous lead levels. For more information, contact the City of Dubuque Health Services Department at 589-4181.