From the Guidelines
Lead poisoning in children and infants is primarily caused by exposure to lead-containing substances in their environment, with major risk factors including living in older homes built before 1978, contaminated soil, and lead-contaminated water. The most significant sources of lead exposure for children include deteriorated lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust, and lead-contaminated soil 1. Some of the key risk factors for lead poisoning in children and infants are:
- Living in older homes built before 1978 that contain lead-based paint, which can deteriorate into dust or chips that children may ingest 1
- Contaminated soil near industrial sites or busy roadways (from historical leaded gasoline use) 1
- Lead-contaminated water from old plumbing systems with lead pipes or solder, especially for infants who are formula fed 1
- Certain imported items, such as toys with lead paint, traditional remedies (like azarcon or greta), imported pottery, and some cosmetics 1
- Children with pica behavior (eating non-food items) face increased risk, as do those living in low-income housing where lead hazards may be more prevalent 1
- Parental occupation, such as auto repair, mining, battery manufacture, pipe fitting and plumbing, welding, firing range use, ship building, painting, and construction, can also increase the risk of lead exposure for children 1 Children under six years are especially vulnerable because their developing bodies absorb lead more readily than adults, and their hand-to-mouth behaviors increase exposure 1. Regular screening is essential for children with these risk factors, as early detection can prevent serious developmental and neurological damage 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Risk Factors for Lead Poisoning in Children and Infants
- Age younger than five years 2, 3, 4
- Low socioeconomic status 2, 5
- Living in housing built before 1978 2, 4
- Use of imported food, medicines, and pottery 2
- Proximity to ground dirt and indoor dust 3
- Oral exploratory and pica behaviors 3
- Dietary preferences that differ markedly from those of adults 3
- Retained lead pellets or fragments 6
- Foreign born or identified as high risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) location-specific recommendations or by a personal risk questionnaire 4
Screening and Prevention
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends targeted screening for lead poisoning in children who are Medicaid-enrolled or -eligible, foreign born, or identified as high risk by the CDC 2, 4
- The CDC recommends screening all Medicaid-eligible children at 12 months and again at 24 months, or at least once between 36 and 72 months if not previously screened 2
- Universal screening is recommended in areas where more than 27% of the housing was built before 1950, or where at least 12% of children 12 to 36 months of age have blood lead levels greater than 10 µg per dL 2
- Primary prevention strategies are essential to eliminate the harmful effects of lead on child development 2, 5