LEAD & MERCURY EXPOSURE

• Children: Because lead exposure symptoms are like other childhood problems, lead poisoning is sometimes mistaken for other ailments. Many children with lead poisoning don’t show any signs of being sick, so it’s important to eliminate lead risks at home and to have young children tested for lead exposure. Lead can affect the kidneys and other organs, impact hearing and speech development and cause an upset stomach. Lead is most known for its effects on the nervous system where it can cause permanent damage. During the first two years of life, lead exposure can affect brain development and result in learning and attention disorders and aggression, as well as behavioral and social/emotional problems.
• CDC – Risk Factors and Pregnancy
  Pregnant and nursing people: Increased lead exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk for premature birth, lower birth weight or miscarriage. Lead absorbed during pregnancy or nursing can harm a baby’s brain, kidneys and nervous system, and cause a child to have learning or behavior problems. 
• Adults: Overexposure to lead can cause serious damage even if the person has no symptoms. Common symptoms of lead poisoning are:
  • Fatigue and trouble sleeping
  • Irritability, headache and difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of appetite and nausea

• Children are at higher risk for lead poisoning because their bodies absorb more of it than adults do. Children most at risk for lead exposure include: 
  • Young children and infants because they tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths.
  • Children from very low-income families and those with parents exposed to lead at work or from hobbies.
  • Immigrant and refugee children from less developed countries due to less strict rules in their country of origin.
• Pregnant and nursing people should know the risk of lead exposure because lead can pass to their baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Adults that work in industries or have hobbies that expose them to lead, such as ceramics, target shooting or fishing.

• CDC – Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
  Lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust are the most common sources of lead for young children. Homes built before 1978 have a high potential of having lead-based paint, so it is important to prevent exposure.
  • If your old paint is peeling or disturbed, test the paint to determine if it contains lead. Lead test kits are available in hardware stores. If the paint contains lead, have an EPA-certified contractor repair it, and keep children away from these areas.
  • EPA – Lead Safe Work Practices
    If you are renovating your home and it is older than 1980, be sure to hire a contractor trained in lead safe work practices.
• DEQ – Contaminants in Drinking Water
  Lead may also be present in pipes for older homes. It is possible to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water by flushing pipes before drinking, only consuming cold water and testing for lead.

• Take your shoes off when you enter the house – leave the dirt outside.
• Parents and children should wash their hands before eating and sleeping.
• When possible, use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to prevent the redistribution of dust into the home.
• Damp dust and mop once a week. Clean mops and cloths after each use.
• Clean closets or storage areas often.
• Clean play areas, toys, and toy containers. If toys come from outside, clean them before bringing them inside.
• Bring in clean garden soil and establish raised beds when gardening.
• Choose outdoor play areas that have fresh ground cover (bark or grass) and are free of paint chips.

A blood test is the only way to find out if a person has lead poisoning. Your health care provider can perform these tests. CDH does not offer lead testing.

• Children should be tested at 12 months and again at age two. Additional testing may be necessary for children who are exposed to lead. Your health care provider can perform these tests.
• Idaho children who are Medicaid recipients are tested for lead exposure at age two, at:
  IDHW – Idaho Medicaid Lead Testing Program

Boise Schools – Lead Testing
CDC – Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level
DEQ – Contaminants in Drinking Water
DEQ – Lead in Drinking Water at Schools and Child Care Facilities
EPA – Lead Resources: EPA
IDHW – Idaho Lead Programs and Resources

• Mercury is a naturally occurring metal found in the environment as well as in manufactured products. In its elemental form it appears as a liquid at room temperatures. It is found in the air, water and soil and may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as on lungs, skin and eyes.
• A form of Mercury also accumulates in fish, which can pose a danger to children and pregnant women.

  IDHW – Fish Consumption Advisory
  The State of Idaho has initiated the above advisory to inform the public about the problem.

Ada County – Landfill Household Hazardous Waste
Boise City – Household Hazardous Waste Program
CDC – Toxic Substance & Disease Registry
CDC – Emergency Response to Mercury
DEQ – Mercury spill cleanup information
EPA – Mercury Exposure Health Effects
IDHW – Idaho Fish Advisory