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Dust or flakes from peeling or chipping lead paint gets into children’s bodies through hand-to-mouth contact.  Lead was banned from use in residential paint in 1978 but any house built before 1978 likely has lead-based paint somewhere in the building.

baby with stuffed animal bunnyLead removal is very hazardous and should only be done by a licensed professional.

Find a certified lead professional

Lead can also be found in some cosmetics, food additives and spices, jewelry, pottery, ceremonial powders, and traditional medicines.

Health Effects

Lead is a hazardous contaminant that can cause health problems in children and adults.  During pregnancy, lead can cause preeclampsia (high blood pressure and high protein in the urine) and other problems that impact the fetus. Lead exposure is linked with reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and other health problems.

Links

NC Regional Map territories
Children’s Environmental Health Program EH Staff Regions (updated January 2024)

slide imagesSlide Images Library provides health professionals with images that can be downloaded and added to PowerPoint slides to discuss aspects of Healthy Homes with clients. Slide image, talking points, and source information available.


spices that may contain lead

Lead Sources Library lists spices, herbal remedies, ceremonial powders, and cosmetics that may contain lead. This library can be sorted by category and provides an image of each item with a brief description.


mapNC County Resources Library lists agencies and organizations that may be able to assist with housing, environmental hazards and other needs, for each county and statewide.

Printable Resources

Lead and Children Brochure
*New Translations* Lead and Children Brochure (English | Spanish | Dari | Pashto)
Short-term Actions to Prevent Exposure to Lead
Short-term Actions to Prevent Exposure to Lead (English | Spanish | Dari | Pashto )
Keeping Lead at Work and Preventing Take- Home Lead Exposure factsheet
Keeping Lead at Work (English | Spanish | Dari | Pashto)
CDC 5 things you can do to lower your child's lead level factsheet
CDC 5 Things you can do to lower your child’s lead level
 Preventing Lead Exposure at Indoor Shooting Ranges fact sheet
Preventing Lead Exposure at Indoor Shooting Ranges
Lead and Pregnancy Brochure
Lead and Pregnancy Brochure (English | Spanish | Dari | Pashto)
Cleaning Up Lead Dust in your home and Car factsheet
Cleaning Up Lead Dust in your Home and Car (English | Spanish | Dari | Pashto)
EPA Lead Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right booklet
EPA Lead Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right (English | Spanish)
Protecting Children from Lead factsheet
Protecting Children from Lead (English | Dari | Pashto)

 

Lead in Spices factsheet
*New Translations* Lead in Spices (English | Spanish | Burmese | Dari | Hindi | Mandarin | Pashto)
EPA Lead brochure
EPA Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home (multiple languages available)
Surma Can Poison Children factsheet
Surma Can Poison Children (English | Dari | Pashto)