1

Information for parents and caregivers

Kids crashing their parents bed.

Lead is a type of metal found naturally in all parts of our environment. This metal has been used in gasoline, paint, cosmetics, glazes, ammunition, and pipes. Although lead has beneficial uses, it can be toxic if swallowed or inhaled. Lead has been banned from many products, however it can still be found throughout our environment.

Lead exposure

Lead exposure in children is associated with serious health effects, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues. Children under age 3 are at higher risk because they spend most of their time on the floor or ground, breathing in or swallowing more dirt and dust than adults. When children swallow dirt that contains lead, it enters their blood and can affect their rapid growth and development.

Children living in older homes or in areas with environmental lead exposure are also at high risk. Medicaid, CHP+, and most private insurance cover the costs of blood lead testing for children under age 6. Because symptoms often are not apparent, a blood lead test is the best way to know if a child has been exposed to lead.

For information about next steps after your child has been tested for lead, visit Learning about lead.

Lead in paint

Lead-based paint in homes built before 1978

Lead was added to paint to speed up drying time, create bright colors, and make it resistant to moisture. The use of lead-based paint in homes was banned in 1978. If you live in a home built before 1978, you may want to get your home tested for lead, as chipping paint and dust are the most common cause of lead poisoning. Visit the link above to learn more about lead-based paint and how to prevent exposure.

Lead in water pipes

Water in pipes from homes built before 1986

Lead service lines were common in the U.S. until the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 intended to protect the quality of drinking water and ultimately banned the use of lead in pipes, solder, and other plumbing materials in 1986. However, lead pipes installed before this year still exist. Lead in drinking water typically occurs because these lead-containing pipes and plumbing materials corrode over time. Visit the link above to learn more about what to look out for in pipes, as well as how to request testing and reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.

Lead in soil

Lead-containing soil or dust that is tracked into the home

The soil you come into contact with every day may contain heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and mercury, that can get into your body by accidentally eating or breathing in dirt and dust particles. Luckily, you can take simple actions to protect yourself and your family. Visit the link above to learn more about preventing lead exposure from soil around your home and community.

Lead in aviation gas

Lead in air and soil from aviation gas

Children who live near airports may be exposed to lead in air and soil from aviation gas used in piston-engine aircraft. Leaded aviation gas is just one potential source of lead exposure. Visit the link above to learn more about sources of lead exposure and how to prevent exposure.

Lead in game meat

Lead bullet fragments in ground game meat

Eating game meat harvested with lead bullets increases the risk of lead poisoning. Lead bullets easily fragment when they strike an animal, and people can eat them in processed game meat. These fragmented pieces are often too small to see or feel while eating. Visit the link above to learn more about lead in game meat and how to prevent exposure.

Lead in construction, mining, welding, mechanic, or plumbing industries

Working with lead or lead-based products

Lead exposure at work is common in construction, mining, and manufacturing industries. You could be at risk for lead poisoning if you work around products or materials that contain lead. Lead poisoning can be prevented by following rules and safety measures at the workplace. Visit the link above to learn more about lead in the workplace and how you can protect yourself.

Lead in indoor shooting ranges

Lead bullets at shooting ranges

Shooters and range employees are exposed to lead when lead dust is released from a fired gun. Lead dust can settle on clothes and be brought home. Understanding how lead exposure can happen at the range and how to protect yourself and your family is important. Visit the link above to learn more about lead at shooting ranges and how you can protect yourself.

Lead and pregnancy

Passing lead to your baby while pregnant or breastfeeding

If you have lead in your body, it can pass it to your unborn child during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Lead can cause your baby to be born too early or too small and can harm developing brains, nervous systems, kidneys, and other organs. Visit the link above to learn more about the steps you can take to keep you and your baby safe from lead exposure.

Reducing lead exposure

There are many ways to reduce a child’s exposure to lead. To protect your family:

Get your cleaning on

Lower the risk of lead exposure by learning effective cleaning methods and housekeeping tips.

Get your child tested

Choosing to get your child tested for lead is an important way to ensure your child stays healthy and develops appropriately. Lead testing for children may look different depending on where you live and what tests are available at the time of testing. Contact your child’s healthcare provider to find out how to schedule a lead test.

Get your home tested

Hire a certified professional or risk assessor to check your home for lead-based paint or lead hazards to minimize your risk of exposure.

Contact

For questions about lead poisoning: ToxCall, (303) 692-2606 or cdphe_toxcall@state.co.us

For lead testing, reporting questions, and requests for fact sheets in other languages: cdphe_leadreports@state.co.us