Lead at Home

It is common to have no symptoms of lead poisoning. A blood test is the only way to know if there is lead in your body.

Symptoms of lead poisoning in children:

• Behavioral problems
• Learning difficulties
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling tired
• Weight loss or poor growth
• Hearing problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain

Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults:

• High blood pressure
• Feeling tired or irritable
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Headaches
• Memory loss
• Aggression
• Kidney problems
• Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women

If you or someone in your household may have been exposed to lead, contact your healthcare provider to schedule a blood lead test.

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found throughout our environment. The most common source of lead exposure is paint and dust on windows in homes built before 1978. The primary route of exposure is through ingestion (swallowing).

Potential sources of lead:

• Lead-based paint and lead dust.
• Lead water pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures.
• Lead contaminated soil.
• Imported products such as cosmetics, toys, and jewelry.
• Imported candies and traditional home remedies.
• Certain jobs and hobbies involve working with lead-based products.
• House keys which can be mouthed by children

Have your home tested for lead if it was built before 1978 and has loose, chipping, peeling, or deteriorating paint on the windows. To learn about testing options, call Ramsey County 651-266-1199, or email [email protected].

The Minnesota Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (Minnesota Statutes 144.9501-144.9512) was enacted to prevent and reduce lead exposure in children up to the age of 18 years and pregnant women from the adverse health effects caused by elevated blood lead levels. As part of these laws, lead levels are reported local public health agencies for intervention and follow up. A public health nurse provides case management services and lead poisoning prevention education for all lead levels greater than or equal to 5.0 mcg/dL.

• Capillary blood lead levels greater than or equal to 5 mcg/dL need to be confirmed by a venous blood lead test.
• Venous blood lead levels greater than or equal to 5.0 mcg/dL require a Lead Risk Assessment, conducted by an environmental health specialist.

Certain jobs and hobbies involve working with lead-based products. People who are exposed to lead in different environments can accidentally bring lead dust home on their clothes, shoes, or vehicles. If you work in an environment where you are exposed to lead, the following tips can help prevent take-home lead from affecting you and your family:

• Wear personal protective equipment around lead, including a respirator.
• Wash hands frequently and before eating, drinking, or touching your face.
• Shower and change into clean clothes before leaving work.
• Keep work clothes separated from your other clothes.
• Wash work clothes separately from other laundry. Rinse the washing machine before using it on other clothes.
• Get regular blood lead tests.

Read more about take-home lead.

• Lead frequently asked questions (PDF)
• Childhood Lead Exposure: Are Your Kids At Risk? (PDF)
• Common sources of lead (MDH PDF)
• Lead exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding 
• Lead in imported products (PDF)
• For clinicians (PDF): Blood Lead Screening Guidelines for Minnesota