Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal that is found in the Earth’s crust. Lead poisoning is one of the greatest health risks that children face. Ingestion of even very small amounts of lead can cause a variety of severe and irreversible health problems, including decreased muscle and bone growth, speech and language problems, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence. Children under the age of 7 are especially at risk because their brains are still developing.
Lead was used in both interior and exterior paint until 1978. Seventy percent of the housing in St. Joseph County was built before 1978, which puts residents at high risk for lead-based paint hazards. Children can be exposed to lead-based paint that is chipping and cracking or lead-based paint dust. Areas of concern around the home that children may chew or that get a lot of wear and tear include windows, window sills, doors, door frames, stairs, railings, banisters, and porches. Children can also be exposed to lead from contaminated soil, as well as glazed pottery, toys, and cosmetics from other countries.