Got Lead?
Iowa's incidence rate of lead poisoning in children under six is significantly higher than the national average. (According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, 12.3% of Iowa have lead poisoning compared to the national average of 4.4% .)
Why should you be concerned?
Lead poisoning can affect nearly every system in the body. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death.
Deteriortated lead-based paint is the primary cause of lead poisoning. In 1978 lead paint was banned for residential use. Homes built before 1960 usually have higher concentrations of lead paint. Nearly 60% of Iowa homes were built before 1960.
Because of their rapid growth, children under six are the most susceptible to the developmental impairments associated with lead poisoning. However, youth and adults are also susceptible to lead poisoning.
What can you do about it?
Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead and treating children who have been poisoned by lead.
If you have concern about that your place of residence may expose family members to lead-paint dust or chips, we can assess your level of risk and provide you with an action plan to isolate or remove the lead-paint hazard. For additional information, please call United Way 2-1-1.