| Lead is a poison. Children can ingest lead by | | | | - Storage batteries |
| swallowing a lead object or by inhaling lead dust. | | | | Lead poisoning is more harmful to children than |
| This poison can stay in the body and cause | | | | adults because it can affect a child's developing |
| serious health problems. Although a single high, | | | | nerves and brain. Its effects are lifelong. |
| toxic dose of lead can cause severe emergency | | | | Symptoms of lead poisoning include: |
| symptoms, it is more common for lead poisoning | | | | - Irritability |
| to build up slowly over time. Repeated exposure | | | | - Aggressive behavior |
| to lead can cause serious health problems, such as | | | | - Low appetite and energy |
| difficulty sleeping or lowered IQ in children. | | | | - Difficulty sleeping |
| Lead exists everywhere, such as dirt, dust, toys | | | | - Headaches |
| and old house paint. Unfortunately, you cannot | | | | - Reduced sensations |
| see, taste or smell lead. Lead is found in: | | | | - Loss of previous developmental skills (in young |
| - House paint before 1987 | | | | children) |
| - Toys and furniture painted before 1976 | | | | - Anemia |
| - Painted toys and decorations made outside the | | | | - Constipation |
| U.S. (particularly toys imported from China) | | | | - Abdominal pain and cramping |
| - Lead bullets, fishing sinkers and curtain weights | | | | - Vomiting, staggering gait, muscle weakness, |
| - Plumbing, pipes and faucets | | | | seizures, or coma |
| - Plastic mini-blinds | | | | Complications from lead poisoning include: |
| - Candy | | | | - Reduced IQ |
| - Ceramic pots and dishes | | | | - Slowed body growth |
| - Home remedies such as Greta and Azarcon | | | | - Hearing problems |
| - Soil contaminated by car exhaust or house paint | | | | - Behavior or attention problems |
| scrapings | | | | - Failure at school |
| - Hobbies involving soldering, stained glass, jewelry | | | | - Kidney damage |
| making, pottery glazing and miniature lead figures | | | | For more information about lead poisoning, |
| - Paint sets and art supplies (always check the | | | | contact the National Information Center at |
| labels) | | | | 1-800-LEAD-FYI. |
| - Pewter pitchers and dinnerware | | | | |