Lead Poisoning and Hidden Home Hazards for Babies and Toddlers

Why lead matters

• There is no known safe level of lead in children's blood. Even low levels can affect attention, learning and behavior, and most children with lead exposure look and act completely well.
• Babies and toddlers are most at risk because they crawl, put hands and toys in their mouths, and absorb more lead than adults.

Where lead hides

• Paint in homes built before 1978. Chipping paint and dust from windows, doors and porches is the biggest source. Sanding or scraping during renovation spreads it.
• Soil near older homes and busy roads, and drinking water from lead pipes or old plumbing.
• Some imported spices, candies, ceramics, traditional cosmetics such as kohl, surma or sindoor, and some traditional remedies. In recent years, some ground cinnamon and fruit pouches were recalled for lead, so check FDA recall notices.
• Work and hobbies: construction, battery recycling, fishing weights, stained glass and shooting ranges can bring dust home on clothes.

Lowering exposure

• Wet-wipe windowsills and floors and wash hands, toys and pacifiers often. Leave shoes at the door.
• Use cold tap water for drinking, cooking and mixing formula; run it until it's cold first. If you have lead pipes, use a filter certified for lead or ask your water utility about testing.
• Renting or buying an older home? Ask about lead. Hire lead-safe certified renovators, and keep children and pregnant people away from work areas.
• Meals with iron, calcium and vitamin C help the body absorb less lead.

Testing

• Many states and Medicaid require a blood lead test at 12 and 24 months, and the AAP supports testing at those ages when there is any risk. Ask at well-child visits if you're not sure.
• A finger-stick result that's raised is usually confirmed with a blood draw.

Other hidden hazards

• Carbon monoxide: an alarm on every level and near bedrooms. Never run a car in a garage, even with the door open, or use a grill or generator indoors.
• Radon: a natural gas that causes lung cancer over time. Home test kits are inexpensive.
• Smoke: keep home and car smoke- and vape-free. Residue on clothes and furniture affects kids too.
• Water beads, laundry pods, cannabis edibles and nicotine: keep them out of the house or locked up; see the babyproofing guide.
• Mold and moisture: fix leaks and clean small areas promptly.

When to check in

• Ask for a lead test at 12 and 24 months, and any time you move into an older home or learn of an exposure.
• Mention pica, the habit of eating non-food things like paint chips or dirt.
• If a CO alarm sounds or anyone has headache, vomiting or confusion that improves outside, get everyone out and call 911.