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1. What are symptoms of lead poisoning in a child?

Children with lead poisoning may not look or act sick. Sometimes symptoms may be mistaken for other illnesses, such as an upset stomach. Possible signs of lead poisoning include: fatigue or loss of energy, poor appetite, hyperactivity, weight loss, irritability or crankiness, difficulty sleeping, reduced attention span and constipation or stomach aches

2. How does a child get exposed to lead?

Usually lead poisoning happens when a person eats or breathes in small amounts of lead in paint dust or common household items. Children are at higher risk of poisoning because they typically crawl and play on the floor, where lead dust from lead based paint settles. Also, to explore their world, they frequently mouth objects. If these items contain lead or are covered with lead dust, the child may ingest the lead.

3. What in my home may contain lead?

Houses built before 1978 may have lead paint. When the paint breaks down, it forms dust that people can inhale or ingest. Children can ingest this dust by crawling on the floor and mouthing objects. Parents who work with lead may bring lead dust home on their clothes or shoes, so they should remove clothing before entering the home. Other sources of lead in the home include: soil contaminated with lead, brass keys and fixtures, old plumbing leaking lead into tap water, food made or stored in lead-glazed ceramics, lead fishing sinkers and bullets, ceramic floor tile, plastic and painted furniture, old bathtubs, stained glass, imported painted toys, toy jewelry, Vinyl mini-blinds, Alternative medicines, spices, candy, makeup and toys from other countries, dishware from other countries, and health supplements from other countries.

4. What can I do to protect myself and my family from exposure to lead?

Visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for several examples of how risk can be reduced.  Lead can be in everyday items in your home. Old or imported items are more likely to have lead based finishes and paint in them. If you would like any of your household items tested for lead, contact Kayla Lesperance at 303 363 3030.

5. What services does Tri-County Health provide if my child has an elevated blood lead level (EBLL)?

When a child has a confirmed blood lead level greater than or equal to 5µg/dL, Tri-County Health department will conduct an investigation which could include a home visit. These services are free of charge, contact Kayla Lesperance at (720) 435-3490 for more information.

6. What foods should I feed my child to reduce the absorption of lead in her body?

Offer your child foods high in:

Iron - lean meats, fish, cereals high in iron, dried fruits such as raisins and prunes
Calcium - milk, yogurt cheese, green leafy vegetables
Vitamin C - citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, tomato juice, green peppers

7. If my child has an elevated blood lead level (EBLL), what is the one most effective thing I can do to prevent further exposure?

Since the lead is often on the child’s hands first, an effective method to reduce your child’s lead exposure is to wash their hands with bar soap and water at least 6 times per day. Their hands should always be washed before eating and sleeping. Please note that antibacterial hand soap or hand sanitizer that you just rub on your hands (no water involvement) does not remove lead. On the other hand, bar soap and water is effective.

8. How can I find a Colorado certified lead contractor to permanently remove lead-based paint in my home or hire a certified lead professional who can do a lead evaluation of my home?

Go to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Lead Page, to find a certified abatement professional and certified lead professional.

9. Are there regulations for testing painted surfaces like walls and windows in a home prior to renovations, remodeling projects, repairs, and painting jobs?

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA (or an EPA authorized state), use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices. For more information on this rule, see the EPA’s RRP Rule website or call the EPA's Denver Lead Program Office at 303-312-6966.

10. Can family members bring home lead from their job and lead poison my child?

Yes they can. Shower and change your clothes and shoes after working around lead-based products. This will keep lead dust from being tracked through your automobile and home, which will lower the chance of your family being exposed. For more information on protecting a family member from lead exposures at work, see the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) website Information for Workers web page--How You Can Keep Yourself and Your Family Safe from Lead .