Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was commonly used in paint, gasoline and plumbing pipes.  It can produce a range of adverse health effects in especially in young children.  The Lapeer County Health Department has a nurse who will help with resources and education.

Lead Poisoning Prevention lapeerlead@lapeercounty.org 810-245-5866 1800 Imlay City Rd Lapeer, MI 48446

Sources of Lead Poisoning
People can be exposed to lead in many ways, including:

• Eating food or drinking water that contains lead
• Spending time in areas where lead-based paints are deteriorating. Children are most often poisoned by swallowing lead-based paint chips or lead dust. Lead dust from deteriorating lead-based paint settles to the floor and gets on children’s hands and toys.  Lead enters their bodies when they put their hands or toys in their mouth
• Working in a job where lead is used
• Using folk remedies that contain lead
• Engaging in hobbies that use lead-based products (stained glass, ceramics, etc.)
• Exposure to toys, jewelry or household items that may contain lead

Lead Poisoning Prevention Tips
To help prevent lead poisoning, keep the following in mind:

• Do not allow children to chew or mouth painted surfaces that may have been painted with lead-based paint (homes built before 1978)
• Keep floors, window sills, and other surfaces dust and dirt free
• Wash children’s hands and faces often to remove lead dust and soil
• Always use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and run water for 30 seconds before using it
• Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating

Lapeer County Lead Poisoning Prevention Services

Child Blood Lead Testing
Lapeer County Health Department offers free blood lead testing for children up to 6 years old with Medicaid or who are uninsured.  Please call 810-667-0448 to schedule an appointment.