Lead can be very harmful, especially to young children. The most important step parents can take is to prevent lead exposure before it occurs.
- Childhood lead poisoning at low levels may make learning difficult, interfere with growth, harm hearing and delay development.
- Childhood lead poisoning at high levels may cause coma, convulsions and even death.
Lead can be found throughout a child's environment, including:
- homes built before 1978 that contain lead-based paint
- peeling and cracking paint makes lead dust that can poison children when they swallow or breathe in the dust
- certain water pipes
- some consumer products, such as some toys and jewelry
- some candies imported from other countries or traditional home remedies
- certain jobs and hobbies involve working with lead-based products may cause parents to bring lead into the home.
Lead Paint Inspection and Removal
Additional Resources for Medical Providers, Parents, Tenants, and Contractors
Lead Resources
Lead Information Line: 1-800-440-LEAD
Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance Dashboard(opens in a new tab)
Lead Poisoning Prevention Training
The Importance of Childhood Blood Lead Testing(opens in a new tab)
Testing Children for Lead Poisoning | Lead | CDC
Contact Us
Bureau of Family Health
Division of Child & Adult Health Services
Health and Human Services Building
625 Forster St.
Seventh Floor, East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
717-772-2762