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
CDC MMWR Article: Investigation of Lead and Chromium Exposure After Consumption of Contaminated Cinnamon-Containing Applesauce— United States, November 2023–April 2024
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, January 2025

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 Materials
Appendix F – Nutrition
Appendix G – 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
- 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 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)

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.