Lead
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.
Lead 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.
Recall Alert – WanaBana Brand Apple Cinnamon Puree
- FDA Alert: More Ground Cinnamon Products Added to FDA Public Health Alert Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead
- NC DHHS’s MMWR Article: Childhood Lead Exposure Linked to Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches – North Carolina, June 2023-January 2024
- FDA Alert: Additional Steps Following Investigation of Elevated Lead and Chromium Levels in Apple Cinnamon Puree Products
- North Carolina’s Coordinated Response to Lead Contamination in Food: An Insider’s Perspective
- Updated FDA Alert July 30, 2024: Elevated Lead Levels in Cinnamon Products & Recommendations for Consumers
CDC Update on Lead and Chromium: Lead and Chromium Poisoning Outbreak Linked to Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches- FDA Public Health Alert: Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches
- CDC Health Alert Network Advisory: High Blood Lead Levels in Children Consuming Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches
- NC DHHS Press Release: NC DHHS Urges Caution After Reportable Lead Found in WanaBana Brand Apple Cinnamon Puree
Links
*Updated* NC Childhood Lead Testing Manual, September 2019
- NC Minimum Recommendations for Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Quick Reference Guide
- Chapter 1 – Introduction
- Chapter 2 – Lead Testing Requirements and Recommendations
- Chapter 3 – State Laboratory Procedures
- Chapter 4 – Diagnostic Lead Testing and Management (EBLs)
- Chapter 5 – Prenatal Lead Testing
- Appendix A – Glossary
- Appendix B – Contact Information
- Appendix C – Recent Memoranda
- Appendix D – Forms
- Appendix E – Educational and Outreach Materials
- Appendix F – Nutritional Material
- Appendix G – References about Refugee Children
- Appendix H – Lead and Pregnancy Resources
- Appendix I – NC LEAD
- Appendix J – Other Resources
- *Revised February 2025* Children’s Environmental Health Program EH Staff Regions Map
- NC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (NC CLPPP)
- Lead Surveillance Data – “Data” drop-down link
- Health Hazards Control
- Blood Lead Reporting Template
- NC Leadcare Reporting Template Instructions
- Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire
- Exposure History of Child with EBL Level Form
- *Revised November 2024* Diagnostic & Confirmed BLLs Follow-up Chart
- Spice and Home Remedy Survey (English | Spanish | Hindi)
- Lead and Pregnancy Resources
- Lead and Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire (English | Spanish)
- Lead Investigation Environmental Referral
- Prenatal Lead Testing and Follow-Up Template (for Local HDs)
- CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lead web page
- National Center for Healthy Housing
- Orange County (NC) Health Department – Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Connecticut State Department of Public Health – Don’t Spread Lead video
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene – Lead Poisoning Prevention
- University of Minnesota – National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants
- Washington State Department of Health – Lead Publications
Slide 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.
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.
NC 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
