Lead poisoning is still a serious risk for children—especially those living in homes built before 1978. Lead from old paint, dust, or soil can hurt a child’s growth and learning. The good news is that lead poisoning can be prevented.
The only way to know if your child has been around lead is with a simple blood test. Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse about testing. There is no safe level of lead. A test helps find lead early so you can take steps to keep your child healthy.
In Salt Lake County, pregnant women and children younger than 6 years with a blood lead level of 3.5 g/dL or higher can get free help through the Lead Home Visiting Program. To understand how small that amount is, it’s like mixing a tiny bit of lead—about a quarter teaspoon—into a huge Olympic swimming pool. The program helps families find where lead might be in their homes and gives them useful tips to lower their exposure…