Lead

Lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, the soil, the water, and our homes. Much of our exposure comes from the use of fossil fuels including past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities, and past use of lead-based paint in homes. Homes built before 1978 could have original paint that is lead based. The older the home, the more the risk. Lead might also be found in paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics. 

Lead Fact Sheets in many different languages are available from the Minnesota Health Department.

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Elevated lead levels can lead to brain damage, learning difficulties, slow growth, and anemia. 

Babies and young children are at high risk because they often put their hands and other objects that can have lead from dust or soil on them into their mouths. Children may also be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead, inhaling lead dust from lead-based paint or lead-contaminated soil or from playing with toys with lead paint. 

If an elevated lead level is found, the first thing we do is confirm the level with another test. There is no acceptable lead level, but if it is higher than 3.3 in our office, we will need to firm the fingerprick test with a lab draw fro ma vein. This is due to the fact that if there are traces of lead dust on the finger, it can falsely elevate the fingerprick test results. The blood from a vein is more accurate and must be drawn at a lab.

We work with the Health Department to identify sources. Once the source of exposure is found, it is removed from the child's environment and levels are followed. If the lead level is too high, chelation medicines are used to more quickly remove lead from the child's system. 

Help lower lead level

1 Make a plan with your doctor.

  • Work together with your doctor to find the best treatment for your child. Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
  • You may need to:
  • Go back for a second lead test.
  • Test your child for learning and development problems. This test is called a “developmental assessment” and will be done at routine well visits and more frequently if concerns arise.


2 Find the lead in your home.

  • Most children get lead poisoning from lead paint in homes built before 1978.
  • It is important to find and fix lead in your home as soon as possible.
  • Have your home inspected by a licensed lead inspector.
  • Don’t remodel or renovate until your home has been inspected for lead.
  • Home repairs like sanding or scraping paint can make dangerous lead dust.
  • Immigration and refugee status.
  • Sources of lead:
  • Living near a contamination source and/or living near high-risk area.
  • Adult in the home with occupational & recreational exposures that bring lead dust into the home (may include welding, auto mechanics, battery manufacturing, art, construction, demolition, gun handling or ammunition, and others).
  • Use of lead-glazed ceramic pottery.
  • Pica – eating nonfood substances such as ceramic pieces or dirt.
  • Folk remedies or alternative therapies (such as azarcon, kohl, kajal, surma, & many others).
  • Imported products such as cosmetics, candy, and spices.
  • Renovating/remodeling pre-1978 homes.
  • Any contact with old paint and paint-dust.
  • Contaminated drinking water, from lead service lines, solder or other sources; may include well-water.
  • Poor diet, cigarette, and alcohol use.


3 Clean up lead dust.

  • When old paint cracks and peels, it makes lead dust. Lead dust is so small you cannot see it. Children get lead poisoning from swallowing dust on their hands and toys.
  • Use wet paper towels to clean up lead dust.
  • Clean around windows, play areas, and floors.
  • Wash hands and toys often with soap and water. Always wash hands before eating and sleeping.
  • Use contact paper or duct tape to cover chipping or peeling paint.


4 Give your child healthy foods.

  •  Lead shares common metabolic pathways with calcium, iron, vitamins C and D, zinc, and magnesium. Nutritional deficiencies in these minerals contribute to high lead levels, so eating foods rich in these nutrients or giving a supplement can help. 
  • Calcium is in milk, yogurt, cheese, and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
  • Iron is in lean red meats, beans, peanut butter, and cereals. Iron and lead compete to make red blood cells, so we will track iron levels with ferritin and recommend an iron supplement. See our Iron Supplement page for more.
  • Vitamin C is in oranges, green and red peppers, and juice.
  • Vitamin D is not found in sufficient amounts in the diet. We recommend a supplement of at least 1000 IU/day if the lead levels are high.
  • Zinc is found in oysters, meat, crab, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, kale, chick peas, lentils, beans, seeds, nuts, and garlic.
  • Magnesium is found in pumpkin and chia seeds, almonds, spinach, cashews, peanuts, soy, oats, bread, avocado, rice, and dairy products.


5 Learn more and get support.

  • Contact your local health department. Trained staff will answer your questions and connect you to other resources in your community.
  • Dealing with lead poisoning can be stressful. Be sure to ask for support. 
  • Real estate disclosure requirements are available here.


If you plan on renovating your older home, it is important to contain any possible sources of lead. The EPA has numerous resources on its website's Renovation, Repair and Painting Program.

For more information on lead, please see the EPA website's Lead section.