Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children | Health Trends in Early Childhood Education (ECE) – May 2026

There is no safe level of lead exposure. The EPA, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Organization, all agree on this. 

Lead exposure can cause permanent damage to the developing brains of fetuses and children, as well as:

• Low birth weight and related complications
• Slowed growth and development
• A loss of IQ points
• Learning and behavior problems
• Hearing and speech problems
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• In adults, it can adversely affect the kidneys and reproductive systems, cause heart disease, and lead to fatal heart attacks, among other harms.   

Lead-based paint hazards are found in homes built before 1978.

Children ingest lead dust by putting objects such as toys and dirt in their mouths. Children can be poisoned when they swallow or breathe in lead dust. Windowsills and wells can also contain high levels of lead dust, so they should also be kept free of dust.

Some toys and jewelry imported from other countries can contain lead. Some imported ceramics and glazed dishes made in the U.S. prior to the 1990s also contain lead.  

Lead is sometimes in candies imported from other countries or traditional home remedies.

Ground cinnamon alert:  Alerts, Advisories & Safety Information | FDA

In March 2024, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued an alert about ground cinnamon sold by a number of brands at six different retail chains. Samples of these products were tested by the FDA and were found to contain elevated levels of lead.

Should I worry about lead in my child’s cinnamon applesauce pouch? – HealthyChildren.org

Never Miss a Recall; sign up at the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website: CPSC.gov

Public water infrastructure

Water can absorb lead from pipes, fixtures, and solder found in the plumbing.  Under the Federal Lead and Copper Rule, public water is regulated to ensure that it is lead-free when it is delivered to you. Tens of millions of people nationwide drink tap water served by lead pipes.

A new map by NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) shows that lead pipes occur in every U.S. state, and that many states and utilities do not know what the majority of their pipes are made of.

Free Lead Testing and Reduction Grants for Schools and Child Care Facilities

The Shapiro Administration is launching a free, no-cost water sampling program for eligible schools and child care facilities across Pennsylvania to test for lead in drinking water. This initiative, through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is funded by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act’s Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program.

In partnership with Terraphase Engineering, the program offers no-cost water testing and, for those with elevated lead levels, grant funding to support lead-reduction activities, such as installing hydration stations. Eligible applicants could receive up to $3,000 per installed hydration station. It’s an easy, no-cost way to protect children’s health and make sure they’re drinking safe water.

Schools and child care centers that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted online through the Commonwealth’s Electronic Application: Grant Details | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Enrollment is currently open and will remain so until funds are exhausted.

For more information, visit DEP’s webpage: Lead Information for Schools and Child Care Facilities

Participate in the Lead-Free Promise Project

Homepage – Lead Free Promise Project

Parent Resource Toolkit – Lead Free Promise Project

How to Protect Children from Lead Poisoning

• The only way to find lead in children is with a blood test. Most children with high lead levels won’t appear sick.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for lead exposure at one and two years of age through a blood test.
• Request Blood Lead Level (BLL) Testing:
  • At One and Two, Testing for Lead is What to Do! Happy, Healthy, Lead-Free Me Print Resources | New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
• The most important “treatment” for a child is to prevent further exposure to lead.

Refer Lead Poisoned Children to Early Intervention:

Share this brochure: Help Me Grow     Also available in Spanish.

This Early Intervention child find brochure is a statewide public awareness document that can be utilized by all Infant/Toddler programs. It includes information describing Early Intervention tracking services. The brochure can be used with early care and education providers, physicians, and other child referral agencies. More information: Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) at eita@pattan.net.

Parent Resources

Happy, Healthy, Lead-Free Me! – Cribs for Kids

• Learn the dangers of lead exposure and how children can become poisoned by lead
• Watch a video about how to look for lead hazards in your home and complete a lead poisoning checklist for the home
• Read the Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home booklet: Explains the dangers of lead in your home and how to protect your family from lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978.

Note: The 2026 version of the Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home pamphlet is available in English and Spanish.

• A healthy diet causes the body to absorb less lead.Eat a healthy diet that includes iron, calcium, and foods low in fat. Foods rich in iron include eggs, nuts, and beans.