Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child's intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. A blood lead test is the best way to determine if a child has lead poisoning. A child with lead poisoning may not have visible signs or symptoms. Many children who have lead poisoning look and act healthy. Parents can talk to their child's healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test if their child may have been exposed to lead.

Parents should talk to their child's healthcare provider about whether their child needs to be tested for lead. The child's healthcare provider may ask questions to see if the child is at risk for lead poisoning. The best way to know if a child has been exposed to lead is to have their blood tested.

Across the United States, there are a variety of childhood lead exposure sources and risk factors.

Those who live in housing built before 1978 are at the greatest risk of lead exposure. Houses built before 1978, when the use of lead in paint was banned, and houses in low-income areas, many of which have homes built before 1978, are more likely to contain lead-based paint and have pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures containing lead. Also, African Americans are at a higher risk of lead exposure due to systemic racism leading to poor housing stock.

Children less than six years old are at a higher risk of lead exposure. This is because their bodies are rapidly developing and more susceptible to taking in lead if exposed. Young children also tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths. This is why the most common source of lead exposure in young children is lead dust that they swallow after placing their lead-contaminated hands or other objects in their mouths.

Older housing stock, particularly homes built before 1978 when lead-based paint was banned, represents a significant source of lead exposure risk. Children living in older homes are at higher risk of lead poisoning from deteriorating lead-based paint, contaminated dust, and soil.

This map shows the relationship between housing age and lead testing coverage across census tracts. Areas with older housing stock and lower testing rates (bottom left quadrant) may benefit from increased testing outreach and prevention efforts.

Identifying communities at increased risk of lead exposure can help target outreach and testing efforts. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) is one way to identify these vulnerable communities.

This map overlays community vulnerability (SVI scores) with lead testing coverage to help identify areas where increased testing may be needed. Communities in the lower left quadrant have higher vulnerability and lower testing rates, indicating potential priority areas for increased lead testing outreach.