What can I do to protect my child from lead poisoning?

In the United States, lead poisoning affects some 4 million young children, or one in six under age 6.  Lead is especially harmful to children younger than 6, but anyone who eats, drinks or breathes something with too much lead can get lead poisoning.

Large amounts of lead in a child's blood can cause brain damage, mental retardation, behavior problems, anemia, liver and kidney damage, hearing loss, hyperactivity, developmental delays, other physical and mental problems, and – in extreme cases –death.

If you live in an older home built before 1960 which has peeling or chipping paint, your child might be at risk for lead exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing every child at 12 months of age, and screening should start at 6 months.

Even children who appear healthy may have high levels of lead. You can’t tell if a child has lead poisoning unless you have him or her tested. A blood test takes only 10 minutes, and results should be ready within a week.