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One of the most serious environmental hazards for infants is lead poisoning. Lead is a toxic metal that can damage the brain and nervous system, even at low levels of exposure. Infants are at high risk for lead poisoning because they are more likely to put objects in their mouths, and they absorb lead more easily than adults.

Slide 4: What is Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning is a condition caused by high levels of lead in the blood. Lead can enter the body through the mouth or lungs. Once in the body, lead can be stored in the bones and released over time.

Lead poisoning can cause a variety of health problems in infants, including:

• Brain damage
• Learning disabilities
• Hyperactivity
• Behavioral problems
• Hearing loss
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Slide 5: How are Infants Exposed to Lead?

Infants can be exposed to lead in a number of ways, including:

• Lead-based paint: Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978. When lead-based paint chips or peels, it can create lead dust that can be ingested by infants.
• Lead-contaminated soil: Lead can be found in soil near old factories, smelters, and other industrial sites. Infants can be exposed to lead-contaminated soil by playing in the dirt or by eating fruits and vegetables that have been grown in contaminated soil.
• Lead-contaminated water: Lead can contaminate drinking water through lead pipes and lead solder. Infants can be exposed to lead-contaminated water by drinking tap water or by bathing in it.
• Consumer products: Lead can be found in some consumer products, such as toys, jewelry, and pottery. Infants can be exposed to lead by playing with or chewing on lead-containing products.

Slide 6: How to Prevent Lead Poisoning in Infants

There are a number of things that parents and caregivers can do to prevent lead poisoning in infants, including:

• Get your home tested for lead-based paint: If your home was built before 1978, have it tested for lead-based paint. If lead-based paint is found, have it removed safely by a qualified professional.
• Keep your home clean and dust-free: Regularly dust and mop your floors and surfaces, especially in areas where your infant spends time. Use a damp cloth to avoid stirring up lead dust.
• Wash your hands often: Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food or eating, and after changing diapers or playing outside.
• Wash your infant’s hands and feet often: Wash your infant’s hands and feet often, especially after playing outside.
• Use lead-safe products: Choose lead-safe toys, jewelry, and pottery for your infant.
• Serve your infant healthy foods: Serve your infant a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods will help to reduce your infant’s absorption of lead.

Slide 7: Accident Prevention and Safety Promotion

In addition to preventing lead poisoning, there are a number of other things that parents and caregivers can do to keep infants safe and healthy. These include:

• Supervise infants closely at all times: Never leave an infant unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Use a safe sleep environment: Place infants to sleep on their backs in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. Avoid using pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals in the crib.
• Prevent falls: Keep infants away from stairs and other hazards. Use a safety gate at the top of stairs and keep windows closed or locked.
• Prevent burns: Keep hot liquids and appliances away from infants. Use a stovetop guard to prevent infants from reaching hot pots and pans.
• Prevent poisoning: Keep all cleaning supplies and medications out of reach of infants.
• Immunize infants: Make sure to have your infant immunized according to the recommended schedule. Vaccines can protect infants from a number of serious diseases.

Slide 8: Examples, Interventions, and Suggestions from Evidence-Based Research

Here are some examples, interventions, and suggestions from evidence-based research to help prevent lead poisoning