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River Valley Pediatrics |
531 Central Park Avenue, Suite 102
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Lead Exposure Lead is a naturally occuring metal that accumulates in our environment and can be harmful when ingested. Since lead was removed from gasoline in the 1970s, most environmental lead comes from lead paint. Since the late 1970s, lead has been removed from paint; however, many families live in houses built before that time. Exposure to lead paint can come from peeling paint, renovations, and lead deposited in the soil. Less common exposures come from lead smelters and lead-associated hobbies. Young children are especially at risk, due to their smaller size and increased likelihood of ingesting lead through normal toddler exploratory behavior. Elevated lead levels cause numerous neurological problems, including attention problems, aggression, learning disabilities, and headaches. Acute and chronic toxicity can cause anemia, abdominal pain and nausea. Extremely high levels can cause coma and death. Prevention is the most important way to combat the risk of lead exposure. All children should have lead levels checked at least once in early childhood, usually around age 1. By law, in New York State, home sellers have to sign a lead disclosure document. If your home was built before 1980, especially if you are undergoing renovation, you can have a lead assessment done to see if there are any dangerous areas that might need remediation. |
