A few of the most common sources of lead exposure to children:

• Lead-based paint continues to be the largest source of lead exposure for children.
• Past uses of lead in paint, gasoline,and other substances continues to contaminate children's environments through the deterioration of lead-based paint and other sources into dust.
• Drinking water can also contain high concentrations of lead from lead-containing pipes and solder.
• Lead in food continues to be a source of exposure, due to imported lead-soldered cans, and the use of food additives and folk remedies containing lead.
• Many occupations and hobbies can also create lead exposures to children.

Environmental sources:

• Lead crystal
• Lead-soldered cans (imported)
• Lead paint
• Lead-painted homes
• Renovating or remodeling older homes
• Burning lead-painted wood
• Use of water from lead pipes
• Living near lead-related industries
• Soil or dust near industries and roadways

Sources from hobbies:

• Car or boat repair
• Casting lead figures (toy soldiers, etc.)
• Painting
• Furniture refinishing
• Jewelry and pottery making
• Stained glass making
• Lead soldering (eg, electronics)
• Making lead shot, fishing sinkers, bullets
• Target shooting at firing ranges

Occupational sources:

• Auto Repair
• Radiator repair
• Battery manufacturing or repair
• Bridge reconstruction worker
• Construction worker
• Plumber, pipe fitter
• Police officer
• Migrant farm worker
• Printing
• Glass manufacturing
• Brass, copper & aluminum processing
• Chemical manufacturing
• Plastics manufacturing
• Rubber products manufacturing
• Steel welding and cutting
• Industrial machine operator

Others:

• Asian cosmetics - Kohl
• Home remedies - Albayalde, Alkohl, Ayurvedoc, Azarcon (also called Alarcon, Coral, luiga, maria luisa and rueda), Ba Bow Sen, Bali Goli, Cebagin, Cordyceps, Ghasard, Greta, Hai ge fen, Kandu Kushta, Mai gen fen, Pay-loo-ah, Poying tan, X-yoo-Fa
• Food additives - Lozeena

Questions you should ask about childhood lead poisoning: 

By the time there are symptoms, harm may have already been done that will last your child's lifetime.

Does your child...

• .. live in, ever lived in, or regularly visit a house built before 1950 with peeling or chipping paint? This may include a day care, preschool, babysitter or relative.
• .. live in, ever lived in, or regularly visit a house built before 1978 with recent (within the past six months) renovation or remodeling?
• .. ever had a brother or sister, housemate, or playmate with lead poisoning?
• .. live, or ever lived, near a busy street or highway?
• .. eat or drink from painted ceramic or imported dishes/glasses?
• .. ever use any home or folk remedies which may contain lead?
• .. live in a  home where the plumbing has lead pipes or copper pipes with lead solder joints?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child may be at risk for lead poisoning.  The only way to know for sure is to have your child's blood tested for lead.

Where to look for lead in your home:

The most common places to find lead-based paint or coatings inside your home are windows, doors, stairs and other woodwork. Lead is also common in kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture can be a problem. Outside walls, porches, columns, railings, windows and doors are often coated with lead-based paint, as well. Check some of these other locations:

• Clothes with lead from work
• Old painted furniture and toys
• Imported ceramics and pottery
• Painted surfaces - inside and out
• Old paint and varnish on doors and floors
• Chips & dust from outside paint including siding
• Old paint on windows
• Old paint on porches, railings and steps
• Dust in rugs and carpets
• Baseboards and woodwork
• Bare dirt in yard

>> Download the 'Where to look' poster