The effects of lead poisoning can be devastating to a family. Public awareness and education have dramatically decreased the number of children being poisoned by lead. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is studying the effects of low levels of lead in children. The Federal Government has instituted a broad range of prevention and educational measures. Health care providers continue to warn families about the health effects lead poisoning can cause.
Landlords are mandated by the Federal Government to disclose lead based paint in the home. Renovators must give the family information about lead paint in a pamphlet titled, “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home”.
Testing
The only way to tell for sure if someone has lead poisoning is by getting a blood test. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing children at twelve months and twenty-four months of age. Any child who has been exposed to lead should be tested. Some states require testing by law at certain ages.
If you don’t know if your home has lead based paint, have it inspected. There are home test kits that can be purchased, however these have been deemed unreliable and inaccurate and should not be used.