Why toddlers are susceptible to lead and the simple test you can do to check
- 16 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Parents of toddlers learning to crawl or walk are typically worried about dangers they can see, like stairs, outlets, and chemicals. But there is an invisible threat to consider too.
“Lead exposure or poisoning has no symptoms at all,” said Kayla Chapman, senior planning analyst, CDC grant manager, Hennepin County. “We know from long-term studies that even low levels of lead can affect IQ, attention span, and learning as kids grow.”
Nearly 700 Minnesota children have elevated blood lead levels each year, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
“The only way we can find out is to do a simple blood test,” Chapman added. She said the recommendation is for all children ages 1 and 2 to be tested. “That’s the age with a lot of hand-to-mouth behavior, and kids are crawling on the floor possibly ingesting lead dust.”
Chapman said all parents should have their children tested no matter their age, especially if they live in a home built before 1978, when lead paint was banned. If your child hasn’t been tested for lead by the age of 6, it’s still really worth doing because early testing helps families prevent that long-term harm,” said Chapman.
Toddlers exposed to lead can have delayed or impaired speech, language, or motor skills. Some may display symptoms similar to ADHD, like reduced impulse control, hyperactivity, and aggression. Other physical symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and unexplained weight loss.
“That’s why we want to intervene as soon as possible, figure out what the source is, especially if it’s coming from inside the home, and fix those hazards quickly,” Chapman explained.
Hennepin County offers a lead hazard reduction program that provides free lead assessments, and if the household qualifies, the county will provide up to $15,000 in grant funding to repair or remove the lead hazards in the home. “Some common things we do are get rid of deteriorating paint, replace old windows, and really remove anything causing lead dust in the home,” Chapman said. “A lot of the time it’s high-traffic areas like steps or front porches that contain lead paint.”
Through its lead hazard reduction program and grants, Hennepin County has made 4,500 homes lead-safe. “It’s made a huge difference for children in our community,” added Chapman.
You can fill out a survey to see if your home qualifies and learn more about next steps at:
