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Lead poisoning is the number one environmental health threat
facing children in the United States, affecting nearly 1 million
young children. Lead has been shown to cause decreased
intelligence, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and
other health problems. Because lead-poisoned children don’t
necessarily appear sick, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and the U.S. Department of Health recommend that all young
children be tested for blood lead levels. Deteriorated paint is
the most common cause of childhood lead poisoning. While
poisoning can occur when a child eats paint chips or mouths
painted surfaces, children are most often exposed to lead in
dust coming from opening and closing windows and doors. This dust
clings to toys, fingers, and other objects that young children
put in their mouths. This dust can be generated in any home that
has lead-based paint; homes can look clean and still have lead
dust present. Children can also be poisoned from other
sources such as soil containing lead from car exhaust, water
pipes, lead-glazed ceramic dishware and plastic mini-blinds. The
only way to be absolutely sure your children are safe is to have
them tested. For more information about testing your child, call
802·865·LEAD
(5323).
The Burlington Lead Program has compiled many helpful, easy
to understand, informational sheets addressing the concerns of
the community. Click on any of the following items to view or
download in a printable PDF format:
If you need any of the items listed above in alternative
formats, please call 865-7144.
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