Lead poisoned children are likely to suffer life-long consequences. Even a small amount of lead can have a negative effect on a child’s development.
Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. However, over half a million U.S. children have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. Evidence shows that the most common source of lead exposure for children today is lead paint in older housing and the contaminated dust and soil it generates.
New England states have some of the oldest housing in the United States with over a third of New England housing built before 1950, where deteriorating lead-based paint is most likely to exist. Although lead poisoning can cause serious health problems, especially in children younger than six years old, it is preventable.
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