Lead is a toxic element found in the Earth. Unlike minerals and vitamins, lead serves no nutritional purpose in our bodies. Lead can be in the air, food, water, and soil. Lead can also be in many consumer products, such as glassware, jewelry, toys and cosmetics. Lead poisoning can disrupt important developmental milestones in children. It is important to test for lead because lead poisoning often shows no severe symptoms early on. Often, symptoms related to lead poisoning are confused with symptoms of other illnesses and conditions. Some symptoms of lead poisoning in children include:

• Irritability 
• Fatigue 
• Belly pain 
• Constipation 
• Hearing loss 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss 
• Vomiting 
• Trouble concentrating
• Behavioral problems 
• Headaches

Children of all ages are at risk for lead poisoning. However, certain indicators put certain children at more risk.

Age

Elevated blood lead levels can damage the brain and nervous system. This damage affects learning and behavior in children. It can cause serious health effects and slow growth. Lead enters the body by swallowing lead or breathing lead dust. Children under the age of 6 are at greater risk. Their brains are still developing, and their bodies absorb lead at a faster rate.

Housing

Lead paint is a common source of exposure for children. Many homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. Children are exposed to lead by breathing in lead paint dust or eating paint chips. Children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. Their hands and these objects could be contaminated with lead.

Old paint that is chipping or flaking creates loose paint chips and lead dust. This poses a great risk of lead exposure. This can occur inside and outside the home and can contaminate soil. Lead can enter drinking water when it passes through plumbing that has lead in the pipes or in soldering.

Poverty

People living in poverty are more likely to experience higher rates of disease and live in areas with poor quality housing. Poverty is a risk factor for lead poisoning due to exposure to lead-based paint in the home. 

Consumer Products

When we think of lead poisoning, we often think of painted surfaces. While paint is a common source of lead poisoning, it’s not the only source. Lead is found in everyday items. DSHS Certified Lead Risk Assessors have found lead in handmade or imported pottery, aluminum cookware, toys, spices, candy, cosmetics, home remedies and religious/ceremonial powders. Items that were made in other countries are more likely to have high levels of lead. 

Jobs or Hobbies

If you work at a job or hobby where you are exposed to lead you could bring lead dust home on your clothes, shoes, skin and hair. Take-home lead can expose children and other family members to this toxic metal. 

You may be at risk if you work in:

• Construction
• Demolition
• Remodeling
• Welding
• Auto repair
• Jewelry-making
• Ceramics
• Law enforcement

You also may be at risk if you work with:

• Paint
• Tile
• Solder
• Pipes
• Sheet metal
• Batteries
• Ammunition

Preventing lead exposure is the first step to keep your child safe. Lead exposure in children primarily comes from inside the home.

To keep your home clean, follow these tips:

• Always use the wet washing method to clean windows, windowsills, walls and floors.
• Don't use harsh chemicals to clean your home. Soap and water will work, as well as all-purpose cleaners.
• Clean at least once a week.
• Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters can trap lead dust better than regular vacuums.

Sometimes, lead exposure can occur when you're remodeling or fixing the home. Hire a certified renovator, if you can. Using a certified renovator who is EPA-certified is the surest way to make sure your home will be renovated using lead-safe methods.

If you’re doing the work yourself, follow these tips:

• Make sure to move your family out of the area until the work is completed, or the area is properly cleaned.
• Always wear protective gear such as safety goggles, shoe covers, and respirators equipped with HEPA filters.
• Keep the area you’re working on separated from the rest of the home.
• Always clean up daily.
• Never use abrasive methods when remodeling.

When purchasing products, remember that items (including food) that were made in the U.S. follow stronger rules about the amount of lead that can be in them. To lower your risk, buy spices and other foods from local stores. Check with the Food and Drug Administration for medication, food and cookware alerts. Check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission for a list of recalled toys. Keep children away from items that may contain lead. Check for recalls and alerts at cpsc.gov and fda.gov. 

DSHS Laboratory Services offers lead testing services for consumer products.

If someone in your home has a job or hobby where they are exposed to lead, follow these steps to prevent lead from entering your home:

While at work:

• Wash your face and hands with soap and water before eating, drinking, or leaving work
• Practice lead-safe work habits such as wearing HEPA masks
• Change out of your work clothes – Put your work clothes and shoes into a plastic bag and seal/tie it shut
• If you can’t change out of your clothes, remove your work clothes in an area in your home that your child doesn’t us

When you get home:

• Keep your work clothes and shoes in an area where children do not play, eat, or sleep
• Wash your work clothes separately from your family’s clothing
• Take a shower before interacting with your family, especially children
• Regularly clean your home using lead-safe methods

Find more brochures and flyers on protecting your family from lead.

The Texas CLPPP oversees the surveillance of blood lead results of children 14 years of age and younger. Using this data, Texas CLPPP can develop and evaluate current efforts to prevent lead poisoning across the state. Data is used to inform medical and health professionals on testing, reporting, and case management. Data is also used to inform outreach activities and educational materials for parents, educators, and health professionals.

There are local CLPPPs who focus on their community's needs when it comes to lead poisoning prevention. Learn more about local CLPPP Programs in Texas.

The Texas CLPPP provides a biannual newsletter updating health professionals, advocates, and other stakeholders on the work being done in lead poisoning prevention.

In addition, Texas CLPPP works in conjunction with the Texas CLPPP Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), a group of public health professionals, academic experts, and medical professionals dedicated to eliminating lead poisoning among children. If you are interested in joining the SPC, please email TexasBloodLead@dshs.texas.gov.