Tag: Lead Poisoning

  • Lead and Children: Risks, Sources, Prevention and Testing

    Lead and Children: Risks, Sources, Prevention and Testing

    Young children are the people most at risk from lead, because they put their hands and toys in their mouths and because their brains and bodies are still developing. The CDC says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified, and that the most effective protection is to remove lead from a child’s surroundings before exposure happens.

    A family eating a healthy meal together

    In short: the main sources are dust from old paint in homes built before 1978, drinking water from lead pipes and fixtures, soil, and some imported foods, spices, candies, remedies, toys and jewelry. The CDC, EPA and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend keeping dust down with wet cleaning, washing hands and toys often, using cold tap water for drinking and baby formula, hiring lead-safe certified contractors for work on older homes, and checking recalls. Most children with lead in their blood look healthy, so a blood lead test is the only way to know. Ask your child’s doctor about testing.

    This page summarizes official guidance. It is not medical advice. If you think your child swallowed something containing lead, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, and call 911 for severe symptoms.

    Why children are most at risk

    The CDC says children younger than 6 are more likely to be exposed because of their hand-to-mouth behavior. They crawl, play on floors and put toys, fingers and other objects in their mouths, picking up lead dust and soil along the way. The EPA calls young children “the most vulnerable” for the same reason.

    The harm is also greater in children. The CDC lists damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems, and links these to lower IQ, a shorter attention span and doing less well at school; see effects of lead poisoning. Exposure can begin before birth: the CDC says lead can pass from a pregnant person to the baby, including lead stored in the parent’s bones from earlier exposure.

    The CDC estimates that about 500,000 US children have blood lead levels at or above its reference value of 3.5 µg/dL.

    Where children’s lead comes from

    SourceWhy it matters for childrenOur guide
    Paint and dust in homes built before 1978The CDC says homes built before 1978 probably contain lead-based paint; peeling or cracking paint makes dust that children swallow or breathe inIs lead paint dangerous?
    Drinking waterLead can enter water from lead service lines, solder and fixturesLead pipes
    SoilThe CDC lists soil near airports, highways and factories; the EPA adds soil near building wallsLead in soil testing
    Foods, spices, candies, remedies, cosmeticsThe CDC names some imported candies and traditional remedies; the FDA has issued alerts on ground cinnamon and recalled cinnamon applesauce pouchesLead in cinnamon and spices
    Toys and jewelryThe CDC names some imported toys, antique toys and toy jewelryLead in toys and jewelry
    Dishes and potteryThe FDA warns about some traditional and antique glazed potteryLead in pottery and dishes
    A parent’s job or hobbyLead dust can come home on clothes, shoes and tools (CDC, NIOSH)Lead poisoning

    Prevention steps from the CDC, EPA and AAP

    The CDC calls removing lead hazards from a child’s environment before exposure (“primary prevention”) the most effective way to avoid long-term harm. The AAP’s 2016 policy statement on preventing childhood lead toxicity makes the same point, stressing that there is no identified safe blood lead level and that reducing lead in housing, soil, water and consumer products pays off. These are the everyday steps official sources list; lead poisoning causes and prevention covers the same ground for the whole family.

    At home: dust and paint

    • In homes built before 1978, regularly wet-mop floors and wipe windowsills and other flat surfaces; household dust can be a major source of lead (CDC). Use warm water and an all-purpose cleaner, and never mix ammonia and bleach products.
    • Take shoes off at the door so dust and soil stay outside (CDC).
    • Do not sand, scrape or dry-sweep old paint yourself. For repairs, renovation or painting in pre-1978 homes, hire a firm certified under the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, and keep children and pregnant people away from the work area. See lead-safe renovation (RRP).
    • If your home was built before 1978, the CDC recommends having it checked by a licensed lead inspector. See lead paint inspection and find a lead professional.

    Hands, toys and play

    • Wash children’s hands often, especially before eating and sleeping, and after playing outside or with pets (CDC).
    • Wash toys regularly; they can pick up lead from dust and soil (CDC).
    • Cover bare soil, keep children from playing in it, and use doormats so soil is not tracked indoors (EPA). See dust and soil testing.

    Water and baby formula

    • Use only cold tap water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula; hot water can draw more lead from pipes, and boiling does not remove lead (EPA).
    • If water has been sitting in the pipes, run the tap, take a shower or do laundry first to flush it (EPA). How long depends on whether you have a lead service line.
    • Clean faucet aerators regularly, and if you use a filter, choose one certified to reduce lead and replace cartridges on schedule (EPA). See best water filters for lead and how to test water for lead.

    Food, products and work

    • Check FDA alerts and recalls for foods and spices, and CPSC recalls for toys and children’s products. The CDC also advises not letting children play with toys made before 2009, when tighter federal limits for children’s products began to take effect.
    • Be cautious with imported candies and traditional remedies such as azarcon and greta, which the CDC warns may contain lead.
    • If someone in the home works with lead, they should change clothes and shoes before coming home and wash work clothes separately (CDC).

    Diet

    The CDC says a diet rich in iron and calcium is part of follow-up for children with lead in their blood. Diet does not make lead safe or remove it from the home, and supplements should only be used on a doctor’s advice.

    Screening and testing

    Most children with lead in their blood have no obvious symptoms, so testing is how lead is found. Our blood lead test guide covers it in depth; the key rules are:

    • Medicaid: children enrolled in Medicaid must be tested at 12 and 24 months, and between 24 and 72 months if never tested. A risk questionnaire alone does not meet the requirement (CMS).
    • Other children: the CDC recommends testing children at higher risk, including those who live in or visit pre-1978 homes, children from low-income households, children who are immigrants, refugees or recently adopted from other countries, and children exposed through a household member’s job or hobby. The AAP calls for a lead risk assessment at well-child visits at 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months.
    • Results: the CDC’s blood lead reference value is 3.5 µg/dL. It is not a safe level; it flags children with more lead than 97.5% of US children aged 1 to 5.

    States set their own rules too, and some require testing of all young children. Ask your pediatrician or state health department.

    Lead in school and child care drinking water

    Children spend many hours a day at school or child care, and both may have older plumbing.

    • EPA 3Ts program. The EPA’s voluntary 3Ts program (Training, Testing and Taking action) gives schools and child care facilities a toolkit for sampling their taps, reading the results and fixing problems.
    • Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). Under the EPA’s final rule from October 2024, community water systems must, starting November 1, 2027, compile a list of the schools and licensed child care facilities they serve. In the first five years, they must sample at least 20% of the elementary schools and child care facilities each year, sample secondary schools on request, and share the results with the facility and health officials. States may waive this where an equally strict state or local program exists. Rules can change, so check the EPA and your water system for the current schedule.
    • AAP recommendation. In its 2016 policy statement, the AAP urged state and local governments to make sure water fountains in schools do not exceed 1 part per billion (ppb) of lead. That is a recommendation, not a federal law.

    Ask your school or child care center whether its taps have been tested, when, and where the results are posted. Some states require testing on their own schedule.

    When to call a doctor or Poison Control

    SituationWho to contact
    Severe symptoms such as seizures, repeated vomiting or loss of consciousness911
    Your child swallowed paint chips, a piece of jewelry or a product that may contain leadPoison Control, 1-800-222-1222
    Your home has old paint, lead pipes or recent renovation, or your child used a recalled productYour child’s doctor or local health department, to ask about a blood lead test
    You want your home checkedA certified lead inspector or risk assessor; see find a lead professional

    More on symptoms is on our lead poisoning symptoms page and the lead poisoning hub.

    Frequently asked questions

    What age is lead most dangerous for children?

    The CDC says children younger than 6 are more likely to be exposed because of hand-to-mouth behavior, and Medicaid requires testing at 12 and 24 months because those are ages of high risk. Exposure before birth also matters.

    How can I protect my baby from lead?

    Official steps include wet-cleaning dust in older homes, washing hands and toys, using cold tap water for drinking and formula, hiring RRP-certified contractors for work on pre-1978 homes, and checking recalls. Ask your pediatrician about a blood lead test.

    Do children with lead poisoning look sick?

    Usually not. The CDC says most children with lead in their blood have no obvious immediate symptoms, which is why testing matters.

    Is there lead in school drinking water?

    It can happen when plumbing or fixtures contain lead. Under the EPA’s 2024 rule, water systems must begin sampling elementary schools and child care facilities from November 1, 2027. Ask your school whether it has tested.

    Should I buy a home test to check my child for lead?

    No home kit tests a child. Blood lead tests are done through a doctor, health department or lab. Home kits test surfaces or water, and each has limits; see our lead test kits guide.

  • Blood Lead Test: How It Works and What Your Results Mean

    Blood Lead Test: How It Works and What Your Results Mean

    A blood lead test measures how much lead is in a person’s blood, and it is the only reliable lead poisoning test: the one way to know whether someone has been exposed. The CDC calls it the best way to find out whether a child has lead poisoning, because most children with lead in their blood look and act healthy.

    Blood sample tubes in a laboratory rack

    In short: the test is a small blood sample, taken either from a finger or heel (capillary) or from a vein (venous). Results come in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL). The CDC’s blood lead reference value is 3.5 µg/dL, in use since October 2021: a child at or above it has more lead than 97.5% of US children aged 1 to 5. A high finger-stick result should be confirmed with a venous test. Children on Medicaid must be tested at 12 and 24 months, and between 24 and 72 months if never tested. Ask your child’s doctor or your local health department about testing.

    This guide explains what official sources say about the test and the numbers. It is not medical advice, and only a health care provider can interpret a result for you or your child. For urgent questions about a possible poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

    What a blood lead test measures

    Lead that is swallowed or breathed in enters the bloodstream. A blood lead test reports the concentration in µg/dL. The CDC says any detectable lead means a child has been exposed, and may still be exposed, and it states that no safe level of lead in children has been identified.

    A blood test shows mainly recent and ongoing exposure. It does not show where the lead came from, so a high result is usually the start of a search for the source, not the end of the story. For that search, see our guides on lead paint testing, lead water testing and dust and soil testing.

    Finger-stick vs venous: the two kinds of sample

    Capillary (finger-stick or heel-stick)Venous (blood draw from a vein)
    How it is takenA prick on the finger or heel; a few drops of bloodA standard blood draw from a vein in the arm
    SpeedOften the first step; can give fast results, including point-of-care tests in the officeResults usually take a few days from a lab
    ReliabilityCan read falsely high if lead on the skin gets into the sampleThe CDC says venous samples are more reliable at identifying lower blood lead levels
    Typical useScreeningConfirming a capillary result at or above the reference value; follow-up

    The CDC advises that when a capillary result is at or above the reference value, a venous sample should be collected to confirm it. If the first test was already venous, no second draw is needed for confirmation. That risk of lead on the skin getting into the sample is the main reason a high finger-stick result is not treated as final.

    The CDC blood lead reference value: 3.5 µg/dL

    The blood lead reference value (BLRV) is how the CDC identifies children with more lead in their blood than most US children. It is 3.5 µg/dL. The CDC lowered it from 5 µg/dL to 3.5 µg/dL in October 2021, based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles from 2015 to 2018. It marks the 97.5th percentile of blood lead levels among US children aged 1 to 5, so a child at or above it is in the top 2.5%.

    Two points are easy to miss:

    • The BLRV is not a safe level and not a health-based standard. The CDC’s 2021 report says plainly that no safe blood lead level in children exists. A result below 3.5 µg/dL does not mean lead can be ignored.
    • The value can change. The CDC says it reviews the latest two NHANES cycles every four years to decide whether to update it. The CDC estimates that about 500,000 US children have blood lead levels at or above the current value.

    Who should be tested, and when

    Children on Medicaid

    Federal Medicaid rules require that all children enrolled in Medicaid receive blood lead screening tests at 12 months and 24 months of age. Any child between 24 and 72 months with no record of a previous blood lead test must also be tested. This applies whether coverage comes through Medicaid (title XIX) or CHIP-funded Medicaid (title XXI). A CMS bulletin from 2016 adds that a risk questionnaire alone does not meet the requirement; the blood test must actually be done. Medicaid covers point-of-care tests drawn in the doctor’s office.

    Other children

    For children not on Medicaid, the CDC recommends testing children at higher risk. It names children who live in or often visit homes or buildings built before 1978, children in low-income households, children who are immigrants, refugees or recently adopted from other countries, and children exposed through a household member’s job or hobby. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Bright Futures schedule calls for a lead risk assessment at the 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 month well-child visits, followed by a blood test when the assessment shows risk. Many states set their own rules, sometimes universal testing at certain ages, so ask your pediatrician or state health department what applies where you live.

    Adults and pregnancy

    Adults can be tested too, usually when a doctor suspects exposure from work, a hobby, a home renovation or a contaminated product. NIOSH advises anyone who works with lead to tell their doctor. During pregnancy, the CDC says lead can pass to the baby, and its guidance asks providers to look for the source of exposure when a pregnant or breastfeeding person’s level is 5 µg/dL or higher. If you are pregnant and think you may have been exposed, ask your provider about a test.

    Where to get a lead poisoning test and what it costs

    The CDC says health care providers and most local health departments can test for lead. Many private insurance plans cover it, and Medicaid covers it for enrolled children. We do not list prices because they vary by lab, insurer and state; ask your provider or health department before the test.

    Home swab kits and water kits do not test people. They are for surfaces or water, and our lead test kits hub explains what each kind can and cannot do.

    What your child’s results mean: the CDC follow-up table

    The CDC publishes recommended actions for health care providers based on a child’s confirmed venous blood lead level. This summary is for understanding the conversation with your doctor, not a substitute for it.

    Venous blood lead levelConfirm a capillary result withinFollow-up testing (CDC)Other actions the CDC lists for providers
    Below 3.5 µg/dLNot neededPer the usual age-based schedule (Medicaid: 12 and 24 months)Education about lead sources, developmental checks, diet review
    3.5 to 9 µg/dL3 monthsEarly follow-up at 3 months, later every 6 to 9 monthsReport to the health department, exposure history, environmental investigation as required, check for iron deficiency, review diet and development
    10 to 19 µg/dL1 month1 to 3 months, later every 3 to 6 monthsSame as above
    20 to 44 µg/dL2 weeks2 weeks to 1 month, later every 1 to 3 monthsAbove, plus full history and exam, environmental investigation and hazard reduction; providers may consult a Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit or Poison Control
    45 µg/dL or higher48 hoursAs soon as possibleUrgent medical evaluation; the doctor decides on treatment, which may include hospital care

    For children above the reference value, the CDC says a doctor may recommend finding and removing lead from the home, a diet rich in iron and calcium, early educational services and repeat testing. Treatment decisions are for the child’s doctor; our lead poisoning treatment page explains what official guidance describes. Do not try home remedies or supplements sold to “remove lead.”

    After a high result: finding the source

    In many states, a child’s elevated result is reported to the health department, which may offer a home visit or an environmental investigation. Medicaid also pays for lead investigations in the homes of enrolled children with elevated levels. You can also hire a certified risk assessor; see find a lead professional and lead paint inspection vs risk assessment.

    Common places to look, depending on your home and habits (our lead poisoning causes and prevention page covers each in more depth):

    More on symptoms and health is on our lead poisoning symptoms page and the lead poisoning hub.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is a normal blood lead level?

    There is no “normal” or safe level. The CDC uses 3.5 µg/dL as a reference value to identify children with more lead than 97.5% of US children aged 1 to 5, and it says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.

    Is a finger-prick lead test accurate?

    It is a good screening test, but it can read high if lead on the skin gets into the sample. The CDC recommends confirming a capillary result at or above 3.5 µg/dL with a venous blood draw.

    At what age should my child get a blood lead test?

    Medicaid requires tests at 12 and 24 months, and between 24 and 72 months if never tested. For other children, the CDC recommends testing those at higher risk, and the AAP calls for a risk assessment at well-child visits from 6 to 24 months. Ask your pediatrician what applies to your child.

    How long do blood lead test results take?

    Finger-stick tests done in the office can give results quickly. Venous samples sent to a lab usually take a few days, according to the CDC.

    Can I test my own blood for lead at home?

    Lead in people is measured with a blood test through a health care provider, a health department or a lab. Home swab kits are for surfaces such as paint, not for people.

    My child’s level is above 3.5 µg/dL. What happens next?

    The CDC recommends confirming the result with a venous test, then follow-up testing, a search for the source and a review of diet and development. Your doctor and local health department will guide the next steps. If your child has severe symptoms, call 911.

  • Lead Poisoning Symptoms in Children and Adults

    Lead Poisoning Symptoms in Children and Adults

    Lead poisoning symptoms are often vague or missing altogether, which is why so many cases are found only through a blood test. The CDC says most children with lead in their blood have no obvious immediate symptoms, and in adults the signs, such as stomach pain, headaches, tiredness or irritability, look like many other everyday illnesses.

    A doctor talking with an adult patient in a clinic

    In short: when symptoms do appear, official sources list stomach pain and cramping, constipation, nausea, headaches, tiredness, irritability, trouble sleeping, poor appetite and, in young children, learning, behavior and development problems. Very high levels can cause vomiting, a staggering walk, seizures or coma. A blood lead test is the only way to know. If someone has severe symptoms such as seizures or repeated vomiting, call 911. For other worries about exposure, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or talk to a doctor or your local health department.

    This page explains what the CDC, its worker-safety institute NIOSH and the National Institutes of Health (through MedlinePlus) say about symptoms. It is not a diagnosis and not medical advice. Only a health care provider can tell you what a symptom means for you or your child.

    Why lead poisoning is easy to miss

    Lead builds up quietly. It is swallowed or breathed in as dust, chips, soil or contaminated food and water, and much of the harm happens before anyone notices anything. The CDC states plainly that most children with any lead in their blood have no obvious immediate symptoms, and that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.

    NIOSH makes the same point about adults: lead symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and may develop slowly, so lead poisoning can be overlooked. A parent may put a toddler’s crankiness down to teething, and an adult may blame stress or poor sleep for headaches and fatigue. That is why doctors rely on a blood lead test, not on symptoms, to find exposure.

    Signs of lead poisoning in children

    The CDC describes the effects of lead in children mainly in terms of how it affects growing bodies and brains, rather than a short checklist of signs. According to the CDC, lead exposure in children can cause:

    • Damage to the brain and nervous system
    • Slowed growth and development
    • Learning and behavior problems
    • Hearing and speech problems

    The CDC links these effects to lower IQ, a shorter attention span and doing less well in school, and notes evidence that childhood exposure can cause harm that lasts. Our page on the effects of lead poisoning explains the longer-term picture.

    MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine’s consumer health site, adds symptoms that families sometimes notice day to day. For young children it lists the loss of developmental skills they had already learned, alongside irritability, aggressive behavior, low appetite and energy, trouble sleeping, constipation, and stomach pain and cramping. It also lists anemia (a low red blood cell count), which a doctor can find with a blood test.

    None of these signs, alone or together, proves lead poisoning. They are common in children for many reasons. What they do mean is that if your child has them and also lives in or visits an older home, or may have been around one of the sources on our lead and children page, it is worth asking the pediatrician about a blood lead test.

    Symptoms in adults

    NIOSH, the CDC’s worker-safety institute, splits adult symptoms into two patterns.

    PatternSymptoms NIOSH lists
    High exposure over a short timeMetallic taste; stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea or constipation; dehydration, headache, exhaustion, irritability, weakness; loss of appetite; memory loss; pain or tingling in the hands or feet
    Exposure over a long timeStomach pain, nausea and constipation; depression, irritability and mood or behavior changes; distraction and forgetfulness; higher blood pressure
    Other effects NIOSH listsDecreased lung function; bone or tooth loss; more infections in general; fertility problems in men and women

    MedlinePlus also lists headaches, hearing loss, reduced sensations, difficulty getting pregnant and anemia among the symptoms of lead poisoning, and notes that stomach pain and cramping are usually the first sign of a high, toxic dose.

    Adults most often meet lead at work or through hobbies: construction and renovation of older buildings, battery recycling, metal work, firing ranges, stained glass and similar crafts. NIOSH notes that workers can carry lead dust home on clothes, shoes and tools, exposing their families. If you work with lead, NIOSH advises telling your doctor and your family’s doctors.

    Lead in pregnancy

    The CDC says lead stored in a person’s bones from earlier exposure can be released into the blood during pregnancy, and that lead can pass to the baby. It links lead in the blood during pregnancy to a higher risk of miscarriage, of a baby being born too early or too small, and of harm to the baby’s brain, kidneys and nervous system. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and think you may have been exposed, talk to your health care provider about testing.

    Signs of very high exposure: when it is an emergency

    MedlinePlus lists the signs of very high lead levels as vomiting, a staggering walk, muscle weakness, seizures and coma. These are rare, but they are emergencies.

    SituationWhat official sources say to do
    Severe symptoms, such as seizures, repeated vomiting or loss of consciousnessCall 911 right away (MedlinePlus)
    Other symptoms that might be from lead, or a child swallowed something that may contain leadCall Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, free and confidential, any time
    You suspect ongoing low-level exposure (old paint, work dust, a recalled product)Contact your health care provider or local health department; an emergency room visit is usually not needed unless the exposure was a high dose (MedlinePlus)

    Poison Control is staffed by specialists who can tell you whether a situation needs urgent care. Keep the number in your phone.

    The only way to know: a blood lead test

    Because symptoms are unreliable, the CDC calls a blood lead test the best way to find out whether a child has lead poisoning, and the best way to assess a person’s exposure in general. Results are given in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL). The CDC uses a blood lead reference value of 3.5 µg/dL to flag children whose levels are higher than most US children’s, and says any detectable lead means a child has been exposed.

    The CDC says health care providers and most local health departments can do the test, many private insurance plans cover it, and Medicaid covers it for enrolled children. Children on Medicaid are required to be tested at 12 and 24 months, and between 24 and 72 months if they have never been tested. Our blood lead test guide explains finger-stick and venous tests, what results mean and what follow-up the CDC recommends.

    Do not try to treat suspected lead poisoning at home or with supplements or products sold online. Decisions about care belong to a doctor, who can look at the test results, the source of exposure and the whole picture. Our lead poisoning treatment page explains what official guidance says doctors do.

    When to ask a doctor about testing

    The signs of lead poisoning are easy to miss, so risk matters more than symptoms. The CDC recommends that children at higher risk be tested. It names children who live in or regularly visit homes or buildings built before 1978, children in low-income households, children who are immigrants, refugees or recently adopted from other countries, and children who may be exposed through a household member’s job or hobby. Talk to a doctor if:

    • Your home was built before 1978 and has chipping or peeling paint, or has been renovated recently. See is lead paint dangerous?
    • Your home has a lead service line or you are not sure. See lead pipes.
    • Someone in the household works with lead or has a lead-related hobby.
    • Your child used a recalled product, such as the 2023 cinnamon applesauce pouches. See lead in cinnamon and spices.
    • You use imported spices, candies, traditional remedies, cosmetics or glazed pottery that could contain lead. See lead in pottery and dishes.
    • Your child has any of the symptoms above and you want to rule lead out.

    Finding and removing the source

    A blood test tells you whether someone has been exposed; it does not tell you where the lead came from. When a child’s level is at or above the reference value, the CDC says health departments may help find the source, and doctors may recommend removing lead hazards from the home, a diet rich in iron and calcium, early educational services and repeat testing.

    For the home itself, the first steps are usually checking paint, dust, water and soil. Our guides on lead paint testing, lead water testing and dust and soil testing explain the options, and you can find a certified lead inspector or risk assessor for a full investigation. Where lead comes from and how to keep it out of your home is covered in lead poisoning causes and prevention, and more on health is on our lead poisoning hub.

    Frequently asked questions

    What are the first signs of lead poisoning?

    Often there are none. The CDC says most children with lead in their blood have no obvious immediate symptoms. MedlinePlus notes that stomach pain and cramping are usually the first sign of a high, toxic dose. Only a blood lead test can tell.

    What are the symptoms of lead exposure in adults?

    NIOSH lists stomach pain, nausea, constipation, headaches, tiredness, irritability, mood changes, forgetfulness, higher blood pressure, tingling in the hands or feet and fertility problems, among others. Because they resemble other illnesses, tell your doctor if you may have been exposed.

    Can lead poisoning symptoms go away?

    Symptoms can come and go, which is one reason they are unreliable. The CDC says even low levels can affect children and that some effects can last. Ask a doctor about testing and follow-up rather than waiting to see whether symptoms fade.

    How fast do symptoms appear?

    It depends on how much lead and over how long. NIOSH separates short, high exposures, which can cause symptoms such as stomach pain and vomiting, from long, low exposures, which build up slowly. Many children with lead in their blood show nothing at all.

    Who should I call if I think my child swallowed something with lead?

    Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If your child has severe symptoms such as a seizure, trouble breathing or repeated vomiting, call 911.

    Is there a home test for lead poisoning?

    Lead in a person is measured with a blood test ordered by a health care provider or local health department. Home swab kits are made for surfaces like paint, not for people. Ask your doctor or health department about blood testing.