Pregnant Women and Parents

Pregnant Women

• It is very important to protect yourself and your baby from lead during pregnancy. 
•  Learn what health problems lead poisoning can cause and how to protect yourself.

Parents

• New York State requires doctors to test all children for lead poisoning at ages 1 and 2.  Only a blood test can tell how much lead is in a child's body. 
•  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determines acceptable blood lead levels in children. 
•  Lead poisoning has no initial symptoms but can lead to decreased IQ, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and low iron.
• Children between the ages of 9 months and 6 years of age are at greatest risk of exposure to lead because they are apt to put fingers, hands, and toys in their mouths.  
• Small children are eye level with window sills where lead paint could be.  
• They are at risk for poisoning if they chew on these areas or inhale lead-tainted dust created when windows are opened and closed.
•  Children whose families are in the process of remodeling homes built or painted prior to 1978, are also at increased risk for exposure to lead.  
• Learn more about how to protect your child from lead poisoning and how a healthy diet can protect your child.  Learn how to fight lead poisoning with a healthy diet.