October 24, 2024

Lead Poisoning: The Hidden Danger and How Screening Can Protect Your Child’s Health

Revised 6/3/2025

By Maria Boylan, DO of Elliot Family Medicine of Bedford

Protecting your child from invisible threats is crucial. Lead poisoning remains a significant concern, especially for young children in communities like Manchester, Nashua, and surrounding areas in New Hampshire. Even minimal exposure can have lasting effects on a child's health and development.

What Is Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when lead accumulates in the body, often over months or years. Children under 6 are particularly vulnerable due to their developing brains and nervous systems. Even low levels of lead exposure can result in:

  • Reduced IQ and attention span
  • Learning and behavioral problems
  • Hearing and speech issues
  • Slowed growth and development

According to the CDC, most children with lead poisoning show no immediate symptoms and can cause irreversible harm, making regular screenings essential. 

Common Sources of Lead Exposure

Lead can be found in various places, especially in older homes and buildings. Common sources include:

  • Lead-based paint: Homes built before 1978 often contain lead-based paint, which can chip and create lead dust.
  • Contaminated soil: Soil near older buildings or industrial areas may contain lead.
  • Drinking water: Lead pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures can leach lead into water.
  • Household items: Some imported toys, jewelry, and cosmetics may contain lead.

 

Common Sources of Lead Exposure

Young children are more likely to ingest lead due to hand-to-mouth behaviors. Their bodies absorb lead more efficiently, and their developing systems are more susceptible to its harmful effects. The CDC recommends screening for lead poisoning for children at risk and NH law mandates blood lead testing for all children at ages 1 and 2.

How Is Lead Screening Done?

Lead screening is a simple blood test, often performed via a finger prick. It's quick, minimally invasive, and can detect elevated lead levels before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for interventions that can prevent further exposure and mitigate health impacts.

What Happens If Elevated Lead Levels Are Found?

If a child's blood lead level is elevated, healthcare providers will:

  • Confirm results with a venous blood test done at a lab
  • Test for iron deficiency and anemia
  • Work with NH DHHS to help to identify and eliminate the source of lead exposure
  • Provide nutritional guidance to help reduce lead absorption
  • Monitor blood lead levels over time to ensure it’s improving
  • In severe cases, chelation therapy may be recommended

Early intervention is key to preventing long-term health issues.

Preventing Lead Exposure at Home

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes primary prevention by reducing or eliminating lead sources in children's environments before exposure occurs, as this approach is the most effective in protecting children from lead toxicity.

Parents can take proactive steps to minimize lead exposure:

  • Regularly wash children's hands and toys
  • Clean floors and windowsills to remove dust
  • Use cold water for drinking and cooking
  • Ensure children have a diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C
  • Have homes built before 1978 inspected for lead

 

Elliot Health System’s Commitment to Lead Screening

At Elliot Health System, we prioritize your child's health. We routinely screen for lead poisoning with fingerstick testing at 1 & 2 year pediatric checkups and earlier if there’s risk factors, making it convenient for families in Manchester, Nashua, and surrounding New Hampshire communities. Our goal is to raise awareness about lead exposure risks and ensure every child has access to necessary testing.

Schedule Your Child’s Routine Checkups Today

Bringing your child in for their routine well child visits will ensure proper preventative care including immunizations, developmental screening, lead screening and testing.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Lead poisoning affects a child’s developing brain, even without visible symptoms. It can cause learning issues, attention problems, and irreversible damage if not caught early.

Children should be screened at ages 1 and 2, when their risk of exposure is highest. In New Hampshire, screening is a standard part of pediatric visits.

  • Lead-based paint (especially in homes built before 1978)
  • Dust, soil, and old plumbing
  • Imported toys, jewelry, or ceramics

Your provider may recommend follow-up testing and treatment. DHHS can inspect your home and require landlords to fix unsafe conditions.

You have the right to a safe home. If lead is found:

  • Landlords are required to address it
  • You cannot be evicted or punished for reporting it

Help is available via the Healthy Homes Program at 1-800-897-LEAD

Yes — it’s covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid, as a preventive service.

  • Clean floors and windowsills with damp cloths
  • Wash hands and toys frequently
  • Ensure your child gets enough calcium, iron, and vitamin C
  • Hire certified professionals for renovations in older homes

For more information, watch our informative video on lead poisoning and how to protect your child.

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Maria Boylan, DO is board-certified in family medicine and is in practice at Elliot Family Medicine at Bedford. 

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