Lead Poisoning

Get lead-free in 1-2-3

Learn More About Childhood Lead Poisoning in Delaware County

---

What is lead poisoning?

Lead is not safe in any amount. One small speck can elevate a child’s blood-lead level. While lead poisoning can affect people of all ages, pregnant women are at risk, as are children under the age of 6, because of their developing nervous systems. Adults may be exposed to lead from certain occupations or hobbies. Children are commonly exposed at home.

What are the effects of lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning in children damages their brains and nervous systems. This can lead to:
	Developmental delays. Lead slows down your child’s growth. Learn how to notice the signs. Hearing and speech problems. Lead poisoning can damage communication skills. Learning and behavior problems. Lead can make it harder for your child to think and learn. Smaller attention span. Lead can make it difficult for your child to concentrate.

Who is most at risk for lead poisoning?

• People in homes built before 1978
• Children under 6
• Pregnant women
• People in households involved in lead-related hobbies or occupations

Where is lead lurking?

The main source of lead poisoning in children is lead paint found in their homes. When this paint peels and cracks, it creates lead dust. Children can be exposed by inhaling or swallowing this dust. Homes built before 1978 may have lead lurking, as lead-based paints weren’t banned for residential use until that year.

Less common sources of lead include:

Soil: Lead particles from exterior lead-based paint, leaded gasoline, aviation fuel, and lead industrial products can settle in soil and last for years. Children can swallow or inhale lead particles or bring them in on shoes and clothes after playing outside. Water: Some water pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures may contain lead that can get into drinking water. Consumer products: Toys, jewelry, antiques, ceramics, china, and porcelain can all contain lead. Imported foods and medicines: Some candies, candy wrappers, spices, cosmetics, traditional medicines, and ceremonial or religious powders can contain lead. Jobs and hobbies: Certain jobs and hobbies, such as carpentry, painting, remodeling, or auto repair can cause lead exposure.

How does lead poisoning impact Delaware County?

According to recent data, 37 of the 49 municipalities in Delaware County—nearly 76%—have at least one reported case of blood-lead levels in children under 16 that meets or exceeds the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s benchmark for elevated lead levels. With one township registering as many as 147 of these cases, the landscape throughout much of Delaware County paints a picture of hundreds of youth being at risk for lead poisoning. In Delaware County, the average home was built in 1956, so many homes may have lead-based paint.

Learn more about Delaware County’s annual lead reports, mapping, and data.

Get your child tested.

Most children who have lead poisoning do not look or act sick. The only way to know if a child has lead poisoning is to get a blood-lead test. Your child should be tested for lead at their 1- and 2-year-old well-child visit. Older children should be tested if you are concerned about lead exposure.

Blood-lead testing for children is covered by Medicaid, if you’re enrolled. Most private insurance policies also cover the cost of blood-lead testing. Talk to your child’s pediatrician to obtain a lead test.

Get your home checked.

You should assume paint in homes built before 1978 contains lead, unless testing shows otherwise. Lead testing is best done by a lead professional. Locate a trained professional in your area who can evaluate and test your home for lead.

Types of lead testing for your home:
	A lead-based-paint inspection. Tells you if your home has lead-based paint and where it is located. It will not tell you whether your home currently has lead hazards or how to deal with it. This inspection is most helpful when buying a home, when signing a lease, or before renovating. A lead-based-paint risk assessment. Tells you if your home currently has any hazards from lead in paint, dust, water, or soil—and what actions must be taken. This is most helpful if your home is known or suspected to contain lead-based paint. A combination inspection and risk assessment. Tells you if your home has lead-based paint or any other lead hazards, and where both are located.
	Learn more about programs you may qualify for. Learn more about lead in drinking water.

Prevention is Key

Prevention is the most important step in protecting children and other vulnerable individuals from lead poisoning. These small things can make a huge difference in preventing lead poisoning:

|  A healthy diet: A good diet with foods that are high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C may help protect your child from lead. Many of these foods can be bought with the help of food-assistance programs. To learn more, talk with your child’s pediatrician or visit Delco WIC.

|  Clean hands and toys: Make sure your child washes their hands and face after playing outside, using soap and hot water. Since soil can contain lead contaminants that get on the fur and paws of pets, have your child wash their hands after playing with pets as well. Also, clean their toys regularly, as toys can pick up lead from dust around the house or dirt outside.

|  No shoes in the house: Removing shoes when entering the house can stop lead-contaminated soil and dust from spreading throughout the home.

|  Work safely: If someone in your household works with lead, make sure they change into clean clothes before entering the home. Keep work shoes and tools outside, and wash their clothes separately from the rest of the laundry.

|  Clean the house: Clean floors, window frames, windowsills, and other surfaces daily to reduce lead dust. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and an all-purpose cleaner. Remember, never mix ammonia and chlorine (bleach) products, because they can form a dangerous gas.

|  Keep the yard safe: Cover bare soil with grass, mulch, or wood chips and prevent children from playing in bare soil that may be contaminated with lead. Learn more about lead in soil.

Home inspection, repair, and remediation.

All home repairs that disrupt paint in homes built before 1978 should be done by a lead-certified contractor. Find one here.

While awaiting a professional, you can cover loose or chipping paint with heavy tape, paneling, heavy wallpaper, contact paper, or furniture pushed up against the area.

If you’re a renter and peeling paint is present, talk to your landlord. If unsatisfied with their response, contact your local municipality’s code official. If you have children under the age of 6, you may be eligible for the Community Action Agency of Delaware County’s Lead Hazard Control Program. For more information, visit their website or call (610) 833-4453.

If you are a homeowner and need assistance with home repairs, you may qualify for help through the Habitat for Humanity’s Whole Home Repair Program. For more information, call: (610) 278-7710 ext. 134 or fill out their inquiry form. This program may have a waiting list.

Lead-assistance programs are available.

If your child’s test reveals an elevated blood-lead level: A DCHD Maternal and Child Health Nurse (MCH nurse) monitors Delaware County children 6 or under who have elevated blood-lead levels (3.5 μg/dL or higher).

Through a new statewide program, any home with a child with a blood lead level of 3.5 μg/dL or higher can now get a free lead inspection. If your child’s tests show an elevated level, please complete the form here. The inspection checks for lead paint hazards in the home that may be exposing you and your family to lead. After the inspection, an Environmental Lead Investigation (ELI) Report will be provided, which lists findings and suggests actions to reduce lead hazards. The family/property owner will then decide on the next steps to reduce these risks.

---

Contact the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line by phone at (484)276-2100 (available 24/7), or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us if you have questions or need assistance.