Is Your Child at Risk of Lead Poisoning?

All children are at risk of lead poisoning. Although lead is present in our environment naturally, it can be toxic when it enters the human body. Lead poisoning can damage the brain and nervous system, leading to learning and behavior problems, slow growth, and development delays. Lead poisoning can also result in hearing and speech problems.

Lead poisoning is preventable, but there are no early warning symptoms for lead exposure. All children need a blood lead test on or before their first birthday and on their second birthday. Your primary care provider (PCP) will ask questions at every well child visit from six months through six years old to determine if your child needs earlier or additional testing.

If your baby is one year old and has not had a blood lead test, it is important to call your provider right away to make arrangements for the test. Do not wait! If you have any problems getting the test or want more information on why lead tests are important, Maryland Physicians Care can help. Just call Member Services at 1-800-953-8854.

Children can become exposed to lead by:

Putting hands in their mouths after crawling or touching lead-contaminated dust
Touching or eating peeling paint containing lead
Drinking water that comes from lead pipes
Playing in lead-contaminated soil
Eating food made with lead-containing imported spices or candies
Using ceremonial make-up or powders that contain lead
Living with adults whose jobs or hobbies involve working with lead
Cooking or serving food in certain imported pottery

Click here for more information on Lead Poisoning Prevention | CDC.