Lead at Home
Lead is a toxic metal that is harmful to humans, especially children under 6 and pregnant or breastfeeding adults. The most common source of lead exposure is paint and dust on windows in homes built before 1978. Any amount of lead exposure is dangerous. If you or someone in your household may have been exposed to lead, contact your healthcare provider.
Lead removal grant
Ramsey County provides grant funding to reduce lead poisoning in children.
How it works:
- An environmental health specialist tests for sources of lead in your home.
- Windows that test positive for lead-based paint are replaced.
- Other lead hazards found in the home are addressed.
- Grant funds cover 80% of the project cost, homeowner is responsible for remaining 20%.
To qualify you must have:
- Wood windows painted with lead-based paint in your home.
- At least one child under 6 years old living in your home.
- A household income below 80% of the Twin Cities median income (approximately $94,500 for a household of four).
To apply for the grant, call Ramsey County 651-266-1199, or email [email protected].
How to clean up sources of lead in your home, all available in PDF format
- Cleaning up lead dust in your home
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- Cleaning up lead dust in your home (Karen)
Home renovation and remodeling
Symptoms of lead poisoning
It is common to have no symptoms of lead poisoning. A blood test is the only way to know if there is lead in your body.
Symptoms of lead poisoning in children:
- Behavioral problems
- Learning difficulties
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Hearing problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults:
- High blood pressure
- Feeling tired or irritable
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Aggression
- Kidney problems
- Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women
Testing for lead poisoning
If you or someone in your household may have been exposed to lead, contact your healthcare provider to schedule a blood lead test.
Sources of lead exposure
Lead is a naturally occurring metal found throughout our environment. The most common source of lead exposure is paint and dust on windows in homes built before 1978. The primary route of exposure is through ingestion (swallowing).
Potential sources of lead:
- Lead-based paint and lead dust.
- Lead water pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures.
- Lead contaminated soil.
- Imported products such as cosmetics, toys, and jewelry.
- Imported candies and traditional home remedies.
- Certain jobs and hobbies involve working with lead-based products.
- House keys which can be mouthed by children
Have your home tested for lead if it was built before 1978 and has loose, chipping, peeling, or deteriorating paint on the windows. To learn about testing options, call Ramsey County 651-266-1199, or email [email protected].
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The Minnesota Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (Minnesota Statutes 144.9501-144.9512) was enacted to prevent and reduce lead exposure in children up to the age of 18 years and pregnant women from the adverse health effects caused by elevated blood lead levels. As part of these laws, lead levels are reported local public health agencies for intervention and follow up. A public health nurse provides case management services and lead poisoning prevention education for all lead levels greater than or equal to 5.0 mcg/dL.
- Capillary blood lead levels greater than or equal to 5 mcg/dL need to be confirmed by a venous blood lead test.
- Venous blood lead levels greater than or equal to 5.0 mcg/dL require a Lead Risk Assessment, conducted by an environmental health specialist.
Preventing take-home lead
Certain jobs and hobbies involve working with lead-based products. People who are exposed to lead in different environments can accidentally bring lead dust home on their clothes, shoes, or vehicles. If you work in an environment where you are exposed to lead, the following tips can help prevent take-home lead from affecting you and your family:
- Wear personal protective equipment around lead, including a respirator.
- Wash hands frequently and before eating, drinking, or touching your face.
- Shower and change into clean clothes before leaving work.
- Keep work clothes separated from your other clothes.
- Wash work clothes separately from other laundry. Rinse the washing machine before using it on other clothes.
- Get regular blood lead tests.
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Environmental Health
651-266-1199
651-266-1177 (Fax)
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