Lead is highly toxic to neural development in infants and young child – and exposure to lead in older housing, water infrastructure, and air pollution especially affects families in low-income communities.
The Pennsylvania Key’s health trend of the month for May focuses on preventing lead poisoning in young children.
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Lead exposure can cause permanent damage to the developing brains of fetuses and children, the Pennsylvania Key notes, as well as a variety of life-long impacts to health.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization agree that there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Lead exposure can cause permanent damage to fetuses and young children, including:
- Low birth weight and related complications
- Slowed growth and development
- A loss of IQ points
- Learning and behavior problems
- Hearing and speech problems
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- In adults, it can affect the kidneys and reproductive systems, cause heart disease, and lead to fatal heart attacks.
Lead-based paint hazards are frequently found in homes built before 1978. Children can ingest lead dust by putting objects such as toys and dirt in their mouths and can be poisoned when they swallow or breathe in lead dust. Windowsills and wells can also contain high levels of lead dust, so they should be kept free of dust.
Some toys and jewelry imported from other countries might contain lead, while some imported ceramics and glazed dishes made in the United States prior to the 1990s might also contain lead.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert about ground cinnamon sold in 2024 by a number of brands at six different retail chains. Samples of the products were tested by the FDA and were found to contain elevated levels of lead.
Water can absorb lead from pipes, fixtures, and solder located in the plumbing. Public water is regulated to ensure that it is lead-free – however, tens of millions of people nationwide drink tap water served by lead pipes.
Pennsylvania ranks fifth nationally for housing built before 1950, when lead-based paint was common.
For more information, visit The Pennsylvania Key’s website.
Lead Testing
The Shapiro Administration is launching a free water sampling program for eligible schools and child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water.
In partnership with Terraphase Engineering, the program offers free water testing and, for those with elevated lead levels, grants to support lead-reduction activities, such as installing hydration stations. Eligible applicants could receive up to $3,000 per hydration station.
Schools and child care centers that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. More details about the grant is available on the Pennsylvania Key’s website.
