LEAD 101

Uses of Lead Lead has been in use for centures.  The most common uses are: Lead based paint (pre 1978) Lead-acid batteries Anti-knock gasoline additives (pre 1976) Plumbing (solder) Bullets Fishing weights Glazes in pottery or dishes (Mexico/China)

Lead in California

• 1 of every 5 at risk children is tested for lead
• Of the estimated 127,000 children with elevated blood lead levels, only 18,000, or 14%, were identified by health officials

Attributed Source of Lead Exposure (California Dept. of Health Services)

New Cases in California 1999/Children Ages 1-20

Source	Number of Cases	%
Paint	251	27.6
Soil	108	11.9
Dust	87	9.6
Water	0	0
Take-Home	108	11.9
Pottery	20	2.2
Cosmetic	1	0.1
Home Remedy	70	7.7
Hobby	31	3.4
Other	785	8.3
No Attributed Source	482	53.1

 Health Effects of Lead

• Damage to brain and nervous system
• Behavior and learning problems
• Anemia
• Slow growth
• Damages to kidney and immune system
• Reproductive health problems (adulthood)
• Vision and hearing loss
• At high levels, can cause coma and convulsions

*Effects are the same whether lead dust is inhaled or ingested

What is Childhood Lead Poisoning?

• Lead enters the blood through the ingestion or inhalation of lead particles
• Lead accumulates in the blood and bones over short or long periods of time

Children At Risk

Children under six years have the greatest risk for lead poisoning; their bodies absorb and retain more lead than adults.

• Hand to mouth behavior
• Higher food consumption per body size/weight
• Vulnerable developmental stage; brain/immune system

Signs and Symptoms

Children with Lead Poisoning may not look or act sick.  Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other illness.

• Tiredness
• Headaches
• Short attention span
• Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Poor appetite
• Constipation
• Behavioral changes (hyperactivity)

More severe signs include:

• Changes in consciousness
• Sight and hearing loss
• Convulsions

Lead Targeted Screening Policy State of California

• All low income children eligible for Medi-Cal, CHDP, Healthy Families, or WIC require a blood lead test at ages 12 and 24 months.
• If child is 15 months old and has not been tested, child needs blood lead test.

CHDP Blood Lead Testing Requirements

• Any time a "high risk" status is found regardless of age
• On all children at age 12 months and 24 months of age
• On all children between the ages of 25 and 72 months (6 years of age), who have never been tested previously.

Social Costs and Impacts of Learning Disabilities

• Nearly 40% of adults with learning disabilities have significant difficulties with employment and social adjustment
• 62% of students with learning disabilities were unemployed one year after high school
• 50% of females with learning disabilities will become mothers within 3-5 years after high school
• 50% of juvenile delinquents tested were found to have undetected learning disabilities
• 42% of adults in correctional institutions were eligible for special education

Associated Effects on Individuals, Families and Communities

• Financial stress
• Emotional stress
• Suicide
• Substance abuse
• Employment problems
• Academic difficulties

THE BIG SOURCE

• Lead-based paint hazards primarily occur in housing constructed prior to 1978
• Over 80% of housing in U.S. is constructed before 1978
• Approximately 90% of cases are associated with lead-based paint hazards

Legal Tools to Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning

Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule (EPA/HUD)

• This rule applies to pre-1978 constructed housing for families
• Requires that EPA brochure "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" be given to:
  • All Prospective Renters
  • All Prospective Buyers

Summary

• Pre-1978 housing poses the most common and threatening lead hazard to children
• Children under six have the greatest risk for lead poisoning
• Childhood lead poisoning can be prevented; have child tested at age 1 and 2
• Good nutrition and good cleaning practices can reduce childhood lead exposure in the home