Lead Resources and Information

“Should I be concerned about lead in my home?

Was your home built before 1978?

Do you have children under six living in the home or visiting regularly?

Is there a pregnant woman or soon-to-be pregnant woman living in the home?

If you answered yes to number one, and yes to either number two or number three, then you should be concerned about possible lead exposure in your home.”

“If your child’s blood lead level is over 5 µg/dL, you can schedule a free home lead inspection. Inspectors will test painted surfaces, water, dust, and soil for the presence of lead. You will receive a report with test results, recommendations, and other advice.”

“No safe blood lead level (BLL) in children has been identified and even low levels of lead in blood are associated with developmental delays, difficulty learning, and behavioral issues. The effects of lead poisoning can be permanent and disabling.”

“On the World Health Organization's list of 10 chemicals of major public health concern, lead is a familiar villain. The toxic metal contaminates air, soil, water and food, and builds up inside bodies over time. Its most widely publicized health impact is neurological damage in children, often measured in the loss of intelligence quotient (IQ) points. But lead's pernicious effects don't stop in childhood nor at the brain.”

“The most important step parents, doctors, and others can take is to prevent lead exposure before it occurs.”

“Lead exposure also causes anaemia, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity and toxicity to the reproductive organs. The neurological and behavioural effects of lead are believed to be irreversible.”

“Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm that believes all people and communities should have access to the tools of change, and that everyone has the right to make decisions about the air, water, and land where they live, work, and play.”

“This pamphlet provides basic facts about lead and information about lead safety when work is being done in your home, your building or the child care facility or school your children attend.”