Could Lead Be Harming Your Child’s Health?

Lead exposure is a health threat to children in Michigan. Lead poisoning can occur when children come into contact with lead. This can be through the air, dust, paint that has lead in it, by drinking contaminated water and through soil.

In Michigan, lead exposure is common in older homes. Homes built before 1978 commonly have lead paint in them. This paint can be on walls, doors, cupboards, windows and other high touch areas in the home.

Exposure to lead can cause long-term health issues for children. According to the CDC some of those adverse health effects are:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Slowed growth and development
• Learning and behavior problems
• Hearing and speech problems

This can cause:

• Lower IQ
• Decreased ability to pay attention
• Underperformance in school

It is important for all children to get tested for lead before they turn one and again by age two. Lead can cause the most harm to children under six years old as their bodies are rapidly growing. Please talk to your child’s doctor about getting this test during your next well child check as soon as possible. You also can get a lead test at your local health department. It only takes a small pin prick to test your child.

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/symptoms-complications/index.html