Lead poisoning is common in children nationwide and is the number one environmental hazard for children. Children under the age of six years naturally place fingers and thumbs in their mouths. They also teethe on objects, eat non-food items such as paint chips, plaster or soil, and place objects such as toys in their mouths
Lead-based paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning. Deteriorating lead-based paint, and past and present remodeling projects or demolition projects, especially of homes built before 1978, can create lead dust that adds to the total amount of lead in house dust. These are the primary ways that children are exposed to lead.
More than 90 percent of the children who are lead poisoned are poisoned at a low level. These low levels of poisoning have symptoms of decreased intelligence, learning problems, behavior problems, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), or language delays. Symptoms of higher levels of lead poisoning include brain damage, kidney damage, hearing problems, stunted growth, and poor coordination.
Although anyone can be at risk of lead poisoning, children under six years of age are the most vulnerable. Lead poisoning risk factors include:
Other than lead-based paint, some common sources of lead include vinyl or plastic mini blinds, car batteries, fishing sinkers, certain ceramic ware, bullets or reloaded shells, and lead smelters.
It is recommended that all children be screened for possible lead exposure. It is required that every child receiving SoonerCare or medicaid services be given a free blood test to check their iron levels at 12 months and 24 months of age.
For more information, contact your health care provider or your local county health department, or call the Oklahoma State Department of Health's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (405) 271-6617 or (800) 766-2223.
last modified: May-June 2001