Lead Information Line
1-800-440-LEAD
Talk to a Specialist
For specific information about lead poisoning and related environmental health issues, call 1-800-440-LEAD.
An information and referral specialist can answer your questions and
provide needed guidance. The specialist may also send you electronic
resources or fact sheets for your own use or for people you work with.
Who May Call
Anyone who is concerned about
lead and related issues may call, including parents, physicians,
contractors, and property owners.
Topics People Have Called About
The Lead Information Line has helped callers by providing specific information and guidance on the following topics:
- Preventing exposure to lead
- What to do if you've already been exposed to lead
- Getting lead paint hazards out of PA homes
- Am I or is my loved one at risk for lead poisoning?
- Lowering risks of exposure to lead and other environmental hazards
- Where to find resources for
inspection and removal of lead-based paint
- Current consumer alerts regarding environmental health
Professionals have called about:
- Current
research on healthy homes from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Current legislation, regulations, and policies related to healthy homes
- Guidance when a child in their care has been exposed to lead
Young Children Are Most at Risk
Childhood lead
poisoning at low levels may make learning difficult, interfere with
growth, harm hearing and delay development. At high levels, lead may
cause coma, convulsions and even death. The leading cause of lead
poisoning is lead dust from lead-based paint, which was used in most
homes until 1978. Children under age 6 are most at risk, because they
put their hands and other things in their mouths.
It is
recommended that any children under age 6 be tested for lead poisoning,
using a simple blood test. A health professional can work with you to
lower or eliminate the long-term impact if your child has been exposed
to lead.
Older Homes Often Contain Lead-Based Paint
If
your home was built before 1978, it may have lead-based paint. As this
paint breaks down, it creates dust, which can be breathed in or
touched. It is important to have your home inspected for lead paint.
Most homes built before 1978 are subject to the
Lead Disclosure Rule. A lead-based paint inspection report must be disclosed if lead is present.
Contact Information:
Bureau of Family Health
625 Forster St.
7th Floor East
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
717-772-2763