Frequently Asked Questions

Lead is a metal that is harmful, especially to the nerves, when it builds up in the body. Children and pregnant women are at high risk when exposed.

Lead remediation is a process to reduce or get rid of lead exposure in the home. There are different types of lead remediation such as cleaning/spot painting, complete repainting, complete repainting with window treatments, window abatement plus treatment to other components and full abatement, enclosure, replacement, and paint removal.

Children breathe in the lead or get it on their hands or toys and swallow it. Their small bodies absorb more lead. They crawl on the floor where there is lead dust or chipped lead paint from walls and windows and then put their hands or other objects in their mouths. Lead can also be passed from the mother to the unborn baby during pregnancy.

We find lead in several places in the environment including our homes. Toys and candies made outside the U.S., in places with less strict manufacturing rules, may contain lead. Lead can also be found in old paint and certain pottery dishes.

• Peeling lead paint

• Airborne lead

• Lead from soil

• Lead glazed pottery

• Lead painted toys

• Lead soldered cans

There are many risks from lead poisoning. Small amounts of lead can build up in the body and cause us to get sick. Build-up of lead in children is especially dangerous because:

• Lead sickness does not always cause symptoms we can see; many children with lead poisoning do not look sick

• Lead can permanently harm the brain and nervous system of your child

• Lead can cause learning problems, attention problems, and behavior problems in your child

• Lead can sometimes cause speech and hearing problems and slow down your child's growth

1) Help protect your child from lead

• Avoid or minimize exposure whenever possible.

• Use wet paper towels to clean up dust with lead particles around windows and play areas.

• Use a wet mop instead of a broom to sweep.

• Wash hands and toys often with soap and water.

• Use duct tape to cover chipping or peeling paint.

Foods with vitamin C, iron, and calcium may help keep lead out of the body.

• Feed your child healthy meals with foods like milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables, peanut butter, beans, cereals, oranges, and peppers.

2) Test your child for lead

• Contact your local health department or doctor. Families without health insurance can go to Lancaster Health Center to have the test administered for free or a minimal fee.