During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, HHS raises awareness of risks and shares prevention and screening details

Lead is a toxic metal found in the environment and in homes. Even in small amounts, lead is harmful to young children and pregnant women.

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 19-25, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) and some local public health partners are raising awareness about lead and sharing information about ways to prevent and address lead exposure and poisoning.

Children younger than age six are most vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure - especially infants and toddlers who often put their hands or other objects in their mouths. Lead exposure can impact a child's growth and development and contribute to long-term learning issues, behavioral problems and lowered IQ.

HHS has developed a lead exposure webpage containing information, including a data brief, and other resources on lead poisoning and ways to prevent it. The department is also piloting curriculum for elementary-age children about lead and healthy habits to prevent lead poisoning.

People living in homes built before the 1978 lead-based paint ban are at higher risk. According to North Dakota Housing Finance Agency's 2024 housing study, 46% of the houses in the state were built before the 1970s. Children can be exposed to lead from swallowing or breathing in paint particles or dust from peeling or damaged painted surfaces inside and outside of homes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that other common sources of lead include contaminated soil and drinking water contaminated by lead pipes or plumbing fixtures. Some imported foods, spices and foreign-made products including some toys may contain lead. Parents can watch for recalls on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

People may also accidentally bring lead into their homes due to exposure from hobbies or jobs where materials containing lead are present.

Simple Ways to Prevent Lead Exposure

• Washing children's hands, toys, bottles, and pacifiers often
• Wet-mopping floors and wiping windowsills and doors regularly
• Using lead-safe certified contractors for home repairs or renovations
• Removing shoes when entering the home
• Changing clothes before going home, showering after work and washing work clothes separately if work involves construction, plumbing, auto repair, mining or other professions involving work with materials containing lead
• Eating a nutritious diet high in vitamin C, iron, and calcium to help limit the body's absorption of lead. See WIC sample meal ideas from our partners at U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Testing

A blood test, often involving a fingertip prick, is the best way to know if a child has been exposed to lead. For this reason, HHS encourages parents to talk to their child's health care provider about getting their child tested during routine wellness visits. Based on blood lead test results, health care providers can recommend follow-up actions and care.

To prevent lifelong impact of lead poisoning, North Dakota Medicaid covers lead screening for children at 12 months and 24 months of age as part of their regular wellness visit. Children between 36 and 72 months of age who are Medicaid members and have not previously been screened for lead are required to have a blood lead test. Learn more about Medicaid wellness visits at hhs.nd.gov/health-tracks.

To find more facts on lead poisoning, prevention and testing and to support bright beginnings for all North Dakota children by keeping them lead free, visit hhs.nd.gov/health/lead or call 701-328-2378, 711 (TTY).