Lead exposure causes lifelong cognitive, learning, behavioral, and health problems. Young children are at the highest risk!
Lead Screening: it’s the law!
Screening is required for all children at 12 months of age, and again at 24 months of age, regardless of risk factors. Make sure your child has been screened at 12 months of age, and again at 24 months of age.
Screening is defined as a capillary fingerstick in a doctor’s office, or a venous blood test at a laboratory; screening is not a questionnaire.
All child cares and public schools require proof of screening at 12 and 24 months of age for enrollment.
Where is lead?
Children can be exposed to lead from peeling paint, contaminated soil, drinking water (pipes/solder), vintage dinnerware as recent as 2005, baby food, apple juice, applesauce, spices, makeup, jewelry, toys, supplements, and more.
What to do if your child has an elevated blood lead level:
- Blood lead levels 3.5 µg/dL or higher are considered “elevated” by the CDC and require action.
- Identify and remove the source of exposure.
- Talk to your child’s doctor right away to determine if medical treatment is necessary.
- Feed children healthy, low-fat foods high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C, which helps prevent lead from being absorbed.
- Early education can help overcome the cognitive effects of lead poisoning.
- Children birth to age 3 with a blood lead level 5 µg/dL or higher are automatically eligible for early intervention services.
Contact Child Development Watch:Kent and Sussex County: 800-752-9393New Castle County: 800-671-0050
- Children with a blood lead level 10 µg/dL or higher will receive a home visit by a health coordinator and a lead hazard risk assessment by the Department of Public Health.
- Before buying, renting, or renovating your home, have it tested for lead.
- Frequently wash children’s hands, pacifiers, bottles, and toys that children put in their mouths.
- Prevent children from chewing on keys, jewelry, and other metal items.
- Remove shoes or clean soil off of shoes before entering your home.
- Regularly clean floors, windowsills, and other household surfaces.
The following information is provided by the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program for all children with a blood lead level at or above 3.5 µg/dL and was obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (April 8, 2022).
