Protecting Children from lead exposure is essential to promoting lifelong health and wellness. Elevated blood lead levels have been shown to negatively impact a child’s intelligence, behavior, and health. Lead poisoning can be difficult to detect, because it is often a silent disease and most children do not display obvious symptoms right away. All children should undergo routine screening at well-child visits, in addition to having their blood tested for lead at 12 and 24 months old. Elevated blood lead levels are reported to the Maryland Department of the Environment, who then notifies the child’s local Health Department.

When a child in Talbot County is identified as having an elevated blood lead level, the Health Department partners with the pediatrician and family to help identify and remove the source of lead exposure from the child’s environment. The Health Department can educate families, provide case management, coordinate resources, and in some cases collaborate with Maryland Department of the Environment to conduct home inspections. Health Department staff follows children with elevated lead levels until their lead level has dropped below the level of concern identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

FAQs

What is lead poisoning?
Lead is a naturally occuring metal that is toxic to humans and animals. It enters the body through contaminated air, food, water, dust, or soil and accumulates in the blood and soft tissue over time. Lead poisoning is an environmental disease that has detrimental and permanent effects to the body and brain.

Who gets lead poisoning?
Anyone who eats, drinks, or breathes something that has increased lead levels is at risk of developing lead poisoning. However, lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Babies and young children can also be more highly exposed to lead because they often put their hands and other objects in their mouths which may be contaminated with lead from dust or soil. Sources of adult lead poisoning are generally occupationally related. Pregnant women should be aware that lead exposure can cross the placental barrier and put their unborn child at risk.

What can cause lead poisoning?
Lead was commonly used in household products such as paint, pipes and plumbing components, gasoline, batteries, cosmetics and ammunition before it was known to be toxic to humans. In 1978, lead was banned from use in paint in the United States. However, older homes and structures may still have lead-based paint, which is the most common source of lead exposure.

Other sources of lead include:

• Lead-contaminated soil
• Hobbies such as fishing, stained glass, and pottery glazing
• Imported or antique glazed pottery, ceramics, or pewter dishes
• Spices contaminated with lead (especially turmeric, cumin, or chili powder)
• Folk remedies (greta, azarcon, ghasard, or daw tway)
• Ceremonial and/or religious powders (kajal, kumkum, sindoor, or kohl)
• Consumer products such as some jewelry, mini-blinds, imported candles, and old toys or furniture

How can I prevent my child from being exposed to lead?

• If your home was built before 1978, get your home checked for lead hazards including lead-based paint. If your child frequently spends time somewhere else, such as a grandparent’s home or daycare, it should be evaluated as well.
• Do not attempt to remove lead-based paint by sanding or stripping, as these methods release more lead dust in the home. Use only approved methods or hire an EPA- or state-approved Lead-Safe Certified renovation firm.
• Avoid allowing your child to play in bare soil.
• Wash your child’s hands and face often, especially before meals.
• Keep play areas clean and wash your child’s bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly.
• Ensure your children eat nutritious meals high in iron and calcium (children with good diets absorb less lead).
• Use cold tap water (not hot) for infant formula or cooking. Letting the cold tap water run for a few minutes before using helps flush out any lead that may come from pipes.

Who should be tested for lead?
In 2016, Maryland implemented the Lead-Free Maryland Kids campaign requiring that all children should have a lead test at 12 and 24 months old. If you are concerned about your child’s lead exposure risk, or if you are not sure they have ever had a lead test, talk to your health care provider today.

What can I do if my child has elevated blood lead levels?
If your child has been diagnosed with an elevated blood lead level, the first thing you should do is figure out how they are being exposed. Work with your child’s doctor and the Health Department to review your child’s environment and identify possible sources of lead. It is important to eliminate or limit exposure to lead sources as soon as possible. Your child will also need to be retested to ensure their lead level is coming down. Be sure to follow your doctor’s guidance for testing and retesting.