Florida Public Health Tracking System

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used to make many different products. When lead enters into the body it can result in lead poisoning. When lead poisoning occurs it can be devastating to the human body and may cause irreversible neurological damage as well as renal disease, cardiovascular effects, and reproductive toxicity.

Lead poisoning is a serious but preventable health problem. Anyone can be lead poisoned, but young children, especially between the ages of nine months and six years of age are at the highest risk. Lead can be eaten or inhaled (breathing lead-contaminated dust). Children may increase their chances of getting lead into their body by putting their hands, toys, or other objects with dust on them in their mouths, or if they eat dirt or other non-food objects. Quite often there are no clinical signs or symptoms of lead poisoning. Children can have lead poisoning and not look or act or feel sick. Some children may feel sick to their stomachs and feel tired or irritable. A simple blood test is the only way to tell if your child is being affected by lead.

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FAQ

Who is at highest risk for lead poisoning?

What are the health effects of lead exposure in children?

What are the sources of childhood lead poisoning?

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Links to other websites:

Department of Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lead Program

Environmental Protection Agency, Childhood Lead Poisoning

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Alliance for Healthy Homes

Environmental Protection Agency, Lead in Drinking Water

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