GROWING HEALTHY MINDS IN NORTH CAROLINA
Learn the risks and learn how we can make our kids lead-free
Find Your Risk Level
Lead is still affecting kids in North Carolina. Click here to see where children are most likely to be exposed.
Why Lead Is Bad
Who is at risk for lead exposure?
Lead exposure is unhealthy for everyone. Pregnant women and children ages zero to 6 are at greatest risk of long-term health problems. Babies and toddlers who crawl on the floor and then put their hands in their mouths are exposed to the highest lead levels.
Lead is most often found in neighborhoods with older housing, where old paint is exposed and lead pipes are still in use. When old paint is flaking off or in poor condition, lead gets into the house dust and everyone is exposed – especially young children.
Children of color, children in low-income families and immigrant families are more likely to be exposed to lead. Cleaning up sources of lead is critical to protecting all children’s healthy development.
Why Is Lead Harmful?
Lead is a toxic metal that comes from the ground. It can be found polluting air, water and food, as well as in everyday items like toys, spices, cosmetics and pottery. You can’t see, smell or taste lead.
There is no safe level of lead exposure.
Even at the lowest levels of exposure, lead can harm children’s ability to concentrate and focus in school. It even reduces intelligence. Lead exposure damages attention and impulse control and can increase aggression. The effects of lead on the brain are permanent and can affect a child’s long-term development.