Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

While lead poisoning continues to decline, over 11% of children tested in Chicago were identified with lead poisoning in 2001. Many of these children will suffer permanent losses of IQ and may experience learning disabilities and behavioral problems as a result of their lead exposures. However, lead poisoning is entirely preventable.

About Lead Poisoning

Lead is a heavy metal used in a number of industries, and used to be used in products commonly found around homes. If lead gets into your body, it acts as a toxin, and when a person has too much lead in their body they are said to be lead poisoned. Children, under the age of six, are the most likely to become lead poisoned. These children typically become poisoned by eating or breathing dust that is contaminated with lead from the old lead-based paint in their homes. While a child can become poisoned from eating paint chips, most children are poisoned simply from touching the dust and then putting their hands in their mouths. Other sources of lead poisoning, including lead contaminated soil, products such as imported miniblinds, or certain “traditional medicines” including greta and azarcon, are less common but do poison some children.

While lead is toxic to many different organs in the body, we worry most about its effects on a child’s developing brain. Children who are lead poisoned may suffer decreased intelligence, as well as behavioral and learning difficulties. The only way to determine if a child is lead poisoned is a blood test, which is required for all Chicago children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years of age.

To combat lead poisoning, the Chicago Department of Public Health works to ensure children are tested for lead, to educate parents and property owners of the dangers of lead, and to enforce city and state laws. CDPH nurses and public health aides provide in-home education to parents of lead poisoned children to ensure they are not further poisoned while building inspectors identify lead hazards in homes and apartments and hold property owners accountable for making repairs required by law. A team of phlebotomists provide lead tests to children who may have other wise been tested while surveillance staff track lead poisoning in the city and ensure poisoned children are referred for needed services. The Lead Poisoning Program also administers grants to assist low-income property owners in making their homes lead safe and ensures that other city programs comply with federal requirements to conduct work in a lead safe fashion.

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