When a child under six years of age has an elevated blood lead level, Environmental Health Specialists perform lead poisoning investigations to determine the source of the lead exposure. It is recommended that healthcare providers test all children under six years of age for high blood lead levels to aid in early detection. Lead poisoning in children can cause a wide variety of issues including headaches, hearing loss, learning problems, anemia, loss of energy, upset stomach, poor appetite, and coma or death (at very high levels). Lead can be found in many items such as water, soil, some paints, folk/traditional medicines, craft/hobby materials, fishing weights, clothing of a person who works in an environment containing lead, and older mini-blinds to name a few. Lead is appealing to children due to its naturally sweet taste.
When a child with a high blood level is reported, Environmental Health Specialists investigate the child’s home or other frequently visited location to try to find the source of lead in the child’s environment. When the source of lead is discovered, Environmental Health Specialists work with the parents or guardians to eliminate the source of the lead poisoning.
For more information on the Lead Prevention Program, please contact the Environmental Health office in your county or visit the links below. If you suspect that your child has come in contact with lead or may be poisoned, please call your health care provider or the Health Department in your county.
Consumer Product Safety Commission-Toy Recalls
NC Division of Environmental Health-Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch
Centers For Disease Control-Lead Information
Environmental Protection Agency-Lead Information
NC Division of Public Health-Lead Information