October 26, 2026

A child plays on the floor, touches a windowsill, then puts their fingers in their mouth. It may seem harmless, but if lead dust is present, that everyday moment could expose them to a toxic metal. Lead can be hard to spot. It may be hiding in peeling paint, household dust, soil or drinking water. Children can be exposed without anyone knowing, and lead poisoning often has no clear signs or symptoms. Even low levels of lead can harm a child’s brain and development. 

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25 - 31, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is urging families to learn where lead may be found, talk with their child’s health care provider about testing and take steps to make their homes safer. 

“Lead poisoning is preventable, but you can’t protect your family from a hazard you don’t know is there,” said Laurel McCamman, BEDHD Maternal & Child Health Supervisor. “Knowing what to look for and taking action early can help protect children’s health now and in the future.” 

The danger may be hiding in plain sight 

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. As old paint chips, peels or wears down, it can create dust that settles on floors, toys, windowsills and other surfaces. Young children face a greater risk because they often put their hands and objects in their mouths. 

You cannot tell if paint or dust contains lead just by looking at it. And because lead poisoning often causes no immediate symptoms, a child may be exposed without their family realizing it. A blood test is the best way to find out if a child has been exposed to lead. 

Three steps to help keep kids safe 

BEDHD encourages families to take three steps during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and throughout the year: 

• Get the facts. Learn about common sources of lead, especially if you live in or visit an older home. Lead can be found in paint, dust, soil, drinking water and some products. If your home was built before 1978, consider having it checked by a certified lead professional. 

• Get your child tested. Talk with your child’s health care provider about blood lead testing. Michigan requires health care providers to offer testing to children at 12 and 24 months of age. Children who may have been exposed to lead may need testing at other ages, too. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. 

• Make your home safer. Keep children away from peeling paint and damaged surfaces. Wash children’s hands often, clean floors and windowsills with a damp cloth or mop and use safe cleaning methods to reduce dust. If you plan to repair or remodel an older home, use lead-safe work practices. Sanding or scraping old paint can spread harmful dust. 

Small steps can make a big difference 

Protecting children from lead takes teamwork. Parents, caregivers, health care providers, landlords and homeowners all have a role to play. Finding lead hazards early and taking steps to reduce exposure can help children have a healthier start in life. 

For more information about lead poisoning prevention, visit www.barryeatonhealth.org/lead-screening  or explore resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention.