Lead in Kent County
Sources of Lead in Kent County
- Dust from lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 is the #1 risk factor for lead poisoning.
- Lead paint chips and dust from deteriorating lead-based paint are the main contributing environmental factors in
about 90% of all childhood lead poisoning cases in Kent County.
- Four out of five homes in Grand Rapids, and nearly three of five homes in Kent County, were built before 1978,
the year lead was banned from paint.
- Other potential sources of lead can include exposed soil, lead pipes/fixtures, cultural exposures (traditional
medicines, spices, pottery, toys, or cosmetics), jobs or hobbies of the adults in the home (construction, auto
repair, furniture refinishing, indoor target practice, etc.).
Young children and pregnant individuals have the highest risk of lead poisoning and its consequences.
Children under 6 are at the greatest risk for health problems related to lead exposure because they are growing
quickly. Young children may also put their hands or other objects with lead dust into their mouths.
Symptoms of lead poisoning can be silent and hard to recognize. Possible long-term health effects of lead poisoning
include:
- Developmental delays
- Slowed growth and development
- Decreased ability to pay attention
- Poor school performance
- Learning and behavior problems
- Hearing loss and speech problems
- Anemia
- Damage to the brain, kidneys, heart, or nervous system.
Though lead can be found in many places, lead exposure is
preventable.
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