Maps
Children living or spending time in older homes in fair or poor condition, are more likely to have higher lead levels in their blood. Lead can harm a young child's growth, behavior, and ability to learn. Children under six years old are more likely to get lead poisoning than any other age group. Most often, children get lead poisoning from breathing in or swallowing dust from old lead paint that gets on floors and windowsills, hands and toys. Lead can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. All children need to be tested for lead at ages 1 and 2, but children six years old or younger, and pregnant women living in older homes should also have a lead screening test.