Sources of Lead and Its Danger to Children

Though lead-based paint was banned in 1978, most of the homes in Hartford were built before then, and still contain lead paint. Lead paint can also be found on toys, costume jewelry, in folk remedies and dirt outside the home. Children absorb lead because, as their bodies are growing, they crave heavy metals, such as calcium and iron. Oftentimes, if these are not included as part of their diet, their bodies are more likely to absorb lead, another heavy metal, from their environment. Lead, unlike calcium and iron, is toxic and has harmful effects on childrens’ development. Children with lead poisoning often have a harder time in school, are more likely to develop ADD, and lag behind in cognitive development. Early detection and treatment is the best approach to avoiding the harmful effects of childhood lead poisoning.