Frequently Asked Questions
AUGUST2002

Can lead poisoning cause health problems and mental health problems in children? How do you test for it and can it be treated?

Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities; behavioral health problems such as attention deficit disorders; and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 890,000 U.S. children age 1-5 years have elevated blood lead levels. One of the most important risk factors for lead exposure is the age of the housing. Over 80% of all homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint in them. The older the house or apartment, the more likely it is to contain lead based paint and a higher concentration of lead in the paint. Other sources of lead are dust and soil that are contaminated from paint and from past emissions of leaded gasoline.

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 in lead than are older children. There is a simple blood test available for testing the level of lead in a child's blood. We also recommend that children with learning disabilities, behavioral health disorders, and attention deficit disorders be tested for lead. There is a wide array of treatments offered, depending on the blood lead level the child may have. Talk to your primary care provider for more information or call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 800-424-LEAD, (800-424-5323).