Lead can cause health problems in children

Lead can cause health problems in children
Lead can cause health problems in children

November 2, 2008

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Lead exposure can cause serious and permanent damage to the health of young children that's why the Oakland County Health Division is trying to increase awareness. Most often children are poisoned by lead dust and lead paint in homes built before 1978. However, children can be exposed to lead by a number of household items and materials including toys, old painted furniture, glazed pottery, dirt and soil from flower pots, charcoal, and imported spices and food additives.
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"While there is much recently publicity about toys, lead dust from house paint remains the main source of lead poising in children," said Kathy Forzley, manager/health officer of Oakland County Health Division. "The only way to be sure that a child does not have lead poisoning is to have them tested."

Lead can cause reading disabilities and attention and motor coordination problems in children. Signs of lead poisoning include tiredness, headaches or irritability. In most cases there are no obvious symptoms to indicate that the child has been exposed to dangerous lead levels.

Lead poisoning in children is preventable. Here are some tips to keep your kids safe.

Keep toys out of the child's mouth. Wash your child's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.

Look for and remove sources of lead in places your child lives and plays. Keep floors, window sills, blinds, and other surfaces dust and dirt free.

Throw recalled toys or items away, or return to the manufacturer as directed. For a complete product recall list, visit www.cpsc.gov.

For more information, call Oakland County Health Division's Nurse on Call at (800) 848-5533.

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