Lead Poisoning Prevention Guidance for Parents and Caregivers

Dust from lead-based paint is the major source of lead poisoning among children. Homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint. 

As old paint deteriorates or is disturbed during repairs and renovations, it can create lead dust. Children can swallow lead dust from their hands, toys, floors, windowsills and other surfaces, or they can breathe it in during repairs or renovations.

Learn about lead-based paint

Soil around older homes, roads and driveways can contain lead. Children can swallow contaminated soil, and anyone can bring it into the home on their hands and shoes.

Learn about lead in soil

Lead can get into drinking water from pipes, plumbing and fixtures. You cannot see, smell or taste lead in water. Testing is the only way to know if lead is in your drinking water.

Learn about lead in drinking water

Some jobs and hobbies can expose people to lead, including auto body work, painting or scraping paint, making stained glass, and casting lead toys, fishing sinkers or other objects. Parents and caregivers who work with lead can bring lead home on clothing, shoes, tools, and other items.

Learn about lead exposure from jobs and hobbies

Some consumer products and household items may contain lead, including certain toys, jewelry, cosmetics, traditional remedies, pottery, vintage or antique items, and imported goods. Children can be exposed by putting these items in their mouths.

Learn about lead in consumer and imported products and in antique, vintage and salvaged items

Lead dust can come from old paint and can get onto floors, windowsills, toys, hands and other surfaces.

• Check for chipping, peeling, cracked or disturbed paint.
• Wet-clean floors, windowsills and other surfaces regularly.
• Install window well inserts to create a smooth surface that's easier to clean.
• Use a HEPA vacuum to clean floors and carpets, and vacuum slowly.
• Wash children’s hands and toys often, especially before meals, naps and bedtime.
• Leave shoes at the door to help keep lead-contaminated soil out of your home.
• Use lead-safe work practices when repairing or renovating an older home.

A healthy diet can help reduce how much lead the body absorbs.

• Serve children fruits, vegetables and foods that are high in iron and calcium.
• Serve meals and snacks at the table or in a high chair.
• Plant vegetable and other food gardens in lead-free soil.

Children can also be exposed to lead through soil, drinking water and certain products, including keys, toys and antiques.

• Drinking water: Have your water tested for lead. Run water until it feels cold before using it for drinking, cooking or making baby formula.
• Soil: Keep children away from bare soil near older homes and roads. Plant food gardens in lead-free soil.
• Household items: Keep children from playing with metal keys. Avoid storing food in open cans or pottery that may contain lead, and keep antiques out of children's reach.
• Jobs and hobbies: Keep children away from activities that involve lead, such as making bullets or working with stained glass. If you work with lead, take steps to keep lead dust from coming home on clothing, shoes, tools and equipment.
• Consumer products: Check for product recalls, especially for toys and other items intended for children.

A lead test is a quick blood test that takes a small amount of blood from your child’s finger or heel. 

Your child’s doctor will explain the results and whether another test is needed. If a second test is needed, it may use blood from a vein, often in the arm. A test using blood from a vein gives a more accurate result.

If lead is found in your child’s blood, they may need another blood test. The timing of follow-up testing depends on their blood lead level.

The next steps are to identify possible sources of lead and reduce your child’s exposure. 

• The Health Department will send you information about how to find lead in your home.
• Depending on your child’s blood lead level, a Health Department staff member may also contact you to discuss possible sources of exposure and offer a free home visit.
• Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about your child’s test results or possible lead exposure.

It’s not too late to have your child tested. Talk with your child’s doctor about getting a blood lead test.

Vermont recommends testing children ages 3 through 6 who have not had a lead test before.

Children ages 6 months through 16 years who recently arrived in the United States should be tested for lead when they arrive. Children ages 6 months through 6 years should have another test three to six months later, even if their first test did not show lead.