Kids' Health: What You Need to Know About Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning in kids is serious stuff. It's not just an annoying blood test the pediatrician makes your kids take if you have a home built before 1978, or some mumbo-jumbo you read about when a toy is recalled. Lead-poisoning prevention is one of those non-negotiable parenting priorities, like car seats, bike helmets and having the poison control phone number plastered on your fridge.

Thankfully, informing yourself about the dangers of lead exposure is one of the easier kids' health tasks on your list. (Way easier than figuring out that complicated baby gate, or worse, potty training!!) And the folks at LeadFreeKids.org have tons of helpful info to get you started:

• Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but kids aged 6 and younger are most vulnerable because their bodies are rapidly developing and they put everything in their mouths, so it's more likely to get into their bodies—especially since they can absorb up to 40 percent of injested lead. Check out these essential prevention tips for parents.


• Every kid should be tested for lead exposure. Lead poisoning is not easy to detect and sometimes there are no obvious symptoms, so it's super important to get your kids' lead levels checked regularly by your pediatrician or by a lead testing provider in your area.


• Pregnant women also need to be extremely cautious about lead exposure. That especially goes for you DIY/crafty types who are considering sanding down old painted window sills and re-doing your nursery! Inform yourself about the risks of lead exposure while expecting.


• Older homes and child-care facilities are most likely to have lead paint. If your home or your kid's school or day care was built before 1978, there's a good chance it contains lead-based paint. Even if you've repainted every square inch of your pad with those new eco-savvy designer paints, sadly, the old lead-based stuff still lives on in the dust and surfaces of the house. Get more important facts about lead.


• But don't freak out! Protecting every member of your family is completely doable with these simple lead poisoning prevention tips

Visit LeadFreeKids.org for even more information and guidance on keeping our kids lead-free.