Why is Lead Paint Dangerous for Children?

Lead paint can harm you primarily through exposure to lead dust and chips, which are released when the paint deteriorates due to peeling, chipping, or other forms of wear. This exposure is particularly dangerous for children under six years old because they often crawl on floors and put their hands and items contaminated with lead paint dust into their mouths. Even low levels of lead exposure can damage a child’s mental development and health.

Lead-based paint is most hazardous when it is disturbed, creating toxic lead dust that can be inhaled or ingested by anyone. Once poisoned, the effects of lead cannot be reversed. Lead exposure can cause a range of health effects, including behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and even death. In children, high levels of lead can lead to brain and nervous system damage, kidney damage, behavior and learning problems such as hyperactivity, and acute effects like seizures and paralysis.

Long-term exposure to lead can also slow or stop the production of hemoglobin, which is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Children exposed to lead through ingestion of dust from deteriorating lead-based paint are at significant risk for these health issues.