Lead Safety for Children & Families
Lead can harm a child’s health. Learn how to prevent exposure, when to test, and what to do next.
What You Need to Know About Lead
Lead is harmful.
Lead is a toxic metal that can harm your child’s growing brain and body. Your body has no use for lead and there are no health benefits from lead.
There is no safe amount of lead.
Even small amounts can cause lasting harm to children.
Lead is found in many places.
Lead was once used in gasoline, paint, and plumbing materials. Even though we stopped using it in most products, it’s still found in many places today.
You can’t see or smell lead.
The only way to know if your home has lead is through testing.
The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable, and knowing the risks is the first step to keeping your child safe.
Healthcare Providers
Are you a healthcare provider? Visit our provider page for testing information, guidelines, and resources.
Go to Provider Page
Where Does Lead Come From?
In Your Home
- Paint in homes built before 1978 – When old paint chips or peels, it creates lead dust.
- Drinking water – Lead can get into water from old pipes or plumbing fixtures.
- Soil around your home – Especially near old buildings or busy roads.
- Dust – Lead paint dust settles on floors, windowsills, and toys.
Everyday Items
- Some imported products like pottery, candies, spices, traditional medicines, and cosmetics.
- Toys – Some older or imported toys may contain lead paint.
Work or Hobbies
- Construction work, especially renovating old homes
- Auto repair with old car parts
- Making or creating stained glass or pottery
How Lead Hurts Children
Brain & Learning
- Trouble focusing or behavioral issues
- Trouble in school with reading and math
- Speech and language delays
- Hearing problems
Physical Health
- Slowed growth
- Kidney damage
- Stomach problems
- Muscle and joint pain
Children Are At Higher Risk
- Their brains are still developing—lead damage during these early years can be permanent
- Children absorb more lead than adults (40-50% of what they swallow)
- They crawl on floors, put things in their mouths, and play where lead dust settles
Most children with lead poisoning look healthy.
Testing is the only way to know if your child has been exposed.
Getting Your Child Tested
When will my child be tested?
Your child’s doctor will test them or order testing at:
- 12 months old
- 24 months old
- At least once before age 6 if they missed these tests
Your child may need extra testing if:
- They live in a home built before 1978
- Other children in your home have had high blood lead levels
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health does not perform lead testing. Your doctor handles all testing.
Understanding the Testing Process
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If finger-prick test shows a high level
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Get a blood draw from the arm to confirm results
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If the confirmed level is 3.5 or higher,
call 616-393-4444 We're here to help.
What to Expect if Your Child’s Lead Level is Elevated
If the blood draw confirms a level of 3.5 of higher, there is help available.
Nurse Visit
A nurse can visit your home to:
- Check on your child’s health and development
- Help find where lead might be coming from
- Connect you with resources
Free Home Lead Inspection
If your child has a confirmed blood level of 3.5 or higher, you may qualify for a free home lead inspection.
Questions?
Contact Leslie Ver Duin, Community Health Team Supervisor
lverduin@miottawa.org
(616) 393-4444
Information for Healthcare Providers