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.

Links

NC Childhood Lead Testing Manual, September 2019 (click for download options)

*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

NC Division of Public Health

• NC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (NC CLPPP)
  • Lead Surveillance Data – “Data” drop-down link
• Health Hazards Control
  • What Volunteers Should Know about Lead-Based Paint and Health
• Blood Lead Reporting Template
• NC Leadcare Reporting Template Instructions
• Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire
• Exposure History of Child with EBL Level Form
• *Revised* 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)

National Resources

• CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
  • Blood Lead Levels in Children
  • Capillary Blood Sampling Protocol
  • Guidelines for the Identification and Management of Lead Exposure in Pregnant and Lactating Women
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lead web page
  • Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting guide
• National Center for Healthy Housing

Other Programs with Materials in Additional Languages

• Connecticut State Department of Public Health – Don’t Spread Lead video
• Orange County (NC) Health Department
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 
• Washington State Department of Health

Webinars and Tools

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.

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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.

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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