Lead Exposure: Just the Facts
- Lead exposure is entirely preventable.
- No safe blood lead level in children has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Low levels of lead in blood can cause intellectual and physical disabilities, learning and behavioral problems and hearing and speech problems. High levels of lead can cause seizures, coma and premature death.
- Impairment caused by lead exposure cannot be corrected.
Red Flag
A blood lead level equal to or greater than 5 micrograms per deciliter (5 mcg/dL) is a reference level to identify children with blood lead levels that are much higher than most children’s levels, according to the CDC.
Did You Know?
Who oversees childhood lead exposure prevention in Texas?
The Texas Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (TXCLPPP) partners with local and regional health departments; city, state and federal agencies; and other community organizations to protect Texas children from lead poisoning. TXCLPPP, which is part of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), maintains the Texas Child Lead Registry.