6.6 - Lead Poisoning

Lead Poisoning

Why Lead Exposure Matters

Young children, especially those between 1-6 years old, are most vulnerable to lead exposure. Lead can affect their growing brains and nervous systems, potentially causing challenges with learning, behavior, and overall development that can last a lifetime.

Even small amounts of lead can make it harder for children to focus, learn, and do well in school. Larger amounts of exposure can harm major organs like the kidneys and nervous system, while extremely high levels can lead to serious health issues such as seizures.

What is Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning happens when too much lead builds up in the body. Lead is a metal found in nature that was once used in many everyday products. While measures have been taken to reduce its presence, lead exposure remains a concern.

• There is no known safe amount of lead in the body.
• Even tiny amounts can cause lifelong learning and behavior difficulties.
• Lead poisoning is one of the most common environmental health issues among children in California.

Steps to Reduce Lead Exposure in the U.S.

Efforts have been made to reduce lead in our environment:

• In 1978, the use of lead in house paint was significantly limited.
• In the 1980s, lead solder in food cans was banned.
• By the early 1990s, lead was removed from gasoline.

Lead in Tap Water: What Families Should Know

The only way to confirm if your tap water contains lead is through testing. Lead in tap water is more likely when:

• Plumbing materials, such as pipes, fixtures, solder (used to join metals), or service lines, contain lead.
• Water comes from a private well rather than a public water system.

Ways to Reduce Lead in Tap Water

1. Flush Water Pipes
   • Run the tap for at least 30 seconds before using the water for cooking, drinking, or preparing baby formula.
   • If water hasn’t been used for 6 hours or more, let it run until it feels cold (this may take 1 to 5 minutes).
   • Water-saving tip: Collect running water and use it to water plants not intended for eating.
2. Use Cold Tap Water
   • Always use cold tap water for drinking, cooking, or baby formula. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave if warm water is needed.
3. Maintain Your Plumbing
   • Avoid using lead solder for plumbing repairs.
   • Clean faucet strainers regularly and let water run for 3-5 minutes afterward.
4. Filter Your Water
   • Consider using a water filter certified to remove lead for added safety.

Important Warning

Some water crocks (water dispensers) may contain lead. Avoid using these for your child unless you are certain they are lead-free.

For more information on testing water for lead, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website or call 800-426-4791. You can also check the California Department of Public Health website at www.cdph.ca.gov.

Symptoms of Lead Exposure 

Many children with lead poisoning don’t show any clear signs of being sick. When symptoms do appear, they can be easily mistaken for common childhood issues like:

• Stomach aches
• Irritability or crankiness
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite

The best way to know if your child has been exposed to lead is through a blood lead test.

Free or Covered Testing

• If your child is on Medi-Cal or part of the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHOP), blood lead testing is free.
• Children in programs like Medi-Cal, CHOP, Head Start, or WIC, or who are at risk for lead exposure, should be tested at ages 1 and 2.
• Most health insurance plans also cover this test.

What You Can Do

Talk to your child’s doctor about scheduling a blood lead test. It’s a quick and simple way to check for lead exposure and ensure your child’s safety.

For more information, visit the California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch's website or call 510-620-5600.

This information was adapted from the California Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.