Have You or Your Children Been Exposed to Lead-Based Paint?

Pre-1978

Homes are assumed to have lead-based paint and surface coatings until tested by a professional

4 million

U.S. homes with elevated lead levels are home to young children

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4,000

Cases of elevated blood lead level in N.C. children since 2013

What You Should Know

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Lead is a toxic metal. It can be harmful to both adults and children. Exposure often occurs with no obvious symptoms.

There is no known safe blood lead level. Children 1-2 years old are at highest risk because of rapid brain development at that age.

Lead can cause:

  • Learning disabilities
  • Behavioral problems
  • Seizures, coma, and even death at very high levels

Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health.

The only way to know if a child was exposed to lead is to ask your health care provider to perform a blood test.

Act early and get your child tested. Ask your child’s health care provider today!

Children are exposed to lead primarily because of exposure to lead-based paint in poor condition and lead-contaminated dust and soil found in housing built before 1978. 

Call the N.C. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Hotline at 1-888-774-0071 for other sources of lead exposure.

Lower Your Risk During Construction or Renovation

Control lead before you renovate or paint. Common renovation activities may create lead-based paint hazards such as dust, contaminated soil and paint chips. These can be harmful to children and adults and exposure often occurs with no obvious signs or symptoms.

Guide: Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (PDF) (Spanish)

Learn how to renovate safely

  • Have your home tested
  • Contain the work area
  • Protect yourself
  • Minimize dust
  • Keep it clean and control waste

Find or become an NC Certified Lead Renovator

Worried about lead in your home? Search for an NC-Certified Lead Renovator in your area

Are you a contractor who wants to become certified? Learn more about the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program.

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