What can be done to prevent the condition?

The government has done the following to prevent lead poisoning:

These three measures have drastically reduced the number of cases of lead poisoning.

Avoiding exposure to lead is the most important prevention. People living in older buildings with peeling lead paint need to have their home or apartment repaired. People working in manufacturing should ask about possible lead exposure. Batteries should not be burned.

Some experts recommend a blood test to screen for lead poisoning in all children. A healthcare provider can determine whether testing is needed for an individual child. Testing is normally started between 6 and 12 months of age.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

The most common long-term effect of lead poisoning is mild brain damage. This damage may be permanent and generally affects children, whose brains are still developing. Behavior problems, emotional problems, and lowered intelligence may all occur.

Kidney damage, nerve damage that may cause paralysis, and even death may also occur.

What are the risks to others?

Lead poisoning is not contagious and poses no risks to others.