Lead is a toxic metal that has been used for centuries in paints, plumbing and manufactured products. No amount or level is considered safe in the human body.
It is much more harmful to children because small amounts can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties and long-term health problems. Yet, many families are unaware of how lead enters their homes and affects their lives. Understanding lead exposure is the first step in preventing it.
Ways lead creeps into your home
Lead-based paints
One of the most common sources of lead exposure in Indiana homes is the presence of lead-based paint. Houses built before 1978, the year the government banned its use in residential properties, are likely to contain lead paint.
When the paint on the wall becomes old and cracks, it breaks down into fine dust. Children who crawl can put their fingers in their mouths or inhale the dust without anyone realizing it. A small amount of lead can raise a child’s blood lead level.
Contaminated soil
Soil around older homes, near busy roads or close to industrial sites can also be contaminated with lead. In past decades, gasoline emissions containing lead and exterior lead-based paints settled into the ground, where the particles remain today. Children playing in bare soil, gardeners tending vegetables or even dust blowing into open windows can all bring lead from outside into the home.
Plumbing
Although it is not very common, it has been proven to be a source of lead exposure. It is essential to know that older service lines, solder and fixtures may leach into drinking water, especially when water has been in the pipes for several hours.
Families may unknowingly use lead-contaminated water through drinking, cooking or preparing infant formula. This increases the risk in communities with aging infrastructure, making regular water testing and the use of certified filters necessary proactive measures.
Imported goods and consumer products
Many imported products contain lead such as food, cosmetics, traditional remedies, toys and pottery. Sometimes these items may bypass safety regulations and end up in households where children can be exposed to them. The toys children play with must be thoroughly inspected to ensure they are lead-free before use. Purchase these products from trusted sources and stay informed about product recalls to ensure your safety.
Why are children more vulnerable?
Children under the age of six are more vulnerable to lead poisoning because their bodies absorb lead more easily and their brains and nervous systems are still developing. What makes the danger especially concerning is that lead exposure often has no noticeable symptoms at first.
By the time issues like irritability, poor appetite or developmental delays appear, the damage may have already been done. This is why regular blood lead testing for your children is essential, especially if they live in or spend time in older homes.
Prevent lead from your home
The good news is that effective prevention methods are available. Parents and caregivers should take the following steps to reduce widespread use of lead in homes:
- Test your home: If you live in a house built before 1978, have it inspected by a licensed professional.
- Control dust: Wet-clean floors, windowsills and surfaces regularly to prevent lead dust from spreading.
- Cover bare soil: Use grass, mulch or ground cover where children play.
- Check water safety: Run cold water for a few minutes before use and consider a certified filter if you have older pipes.
- Stay updated on recalls: Quit using imported or uncertified toys, pottery, and remedies that may contain lead.
- Get tested: Ensure children receive regular blood lead level screenings as recommended by healthcare providers.
What you can do
Lead poisoning is entirely preventable, but it requires actions and awareness from families, communities and health systems. By understanding the various pathways through which lead can enter the home, such as through paint, soil, water and consumer products, we can take the proper steps to keep children safe.
Every parent deserves peace of mind knowing their home is a safe and nurturing place for their children to grow and thrive. With vigilance, testing and the proper precautions, we can close the door on lead exposure and open the way to a healthier future for Indiana’s children.
