Lead Isn't Just in Old Paint: What California Childcare Providers Should Know

When most people hear "lead poisoning," they immediately think of old, peeling paint. Older paint is definitely an important source of lead exposure, but it isn't the only one.

For childcare providers, understanding where lead may be found is particularly important because young children are among those most vulnerable to its effects. Recognizing a child who is being poisoned by lead and eliminating the sources of lead are two major roles of a childcare provider

Why Young Children Are at Greater Risk

Children between 1 and 6 years old are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning. Young children also explore their environments differently than adults. They spend time playing on floors and frequently put their hands, toys, and other objects into their mouths. This makes controlling lead in a child's environment especially important.

Lead May Be Found in House Dust

Lead-containing paint that deteriorates or is disturbed during repairs and renovations can contribute to contaminated household dust. This is one reason effective cleaning practices are so important in environments where young children spend time. Providers operating a Family Child Care Home should pay particular attention to areas where paint is deteriorating or where older painted surfaces have recently been disturbed.

Soil Can Be a Source of Lead

Lead can also be present in contaminated soil. Children playing outside can get contaminated soil or dust on their hands, clothing, shoes, and toys and then carry it indoors. Often children will put their hands in their mouth and ingest the lead the acquire from outside. Regular handwashing after outdoor play is a simple but important preventive practice.

Some Dishes and Food Containers Can Contain Lead

Certain imported pottery, dishes, pots, and water crocks may contain lead. Older dishware that is cracked, chipped, or worn can also present concerns. Childcare providers should be thoughtful about the containers used to prepare, store, and serve children's food and drinks. If something is known to be made with lead it should be removed from facility immediately. 

Some Foods, Spices and Candies May Be Sources

Certain foods, candies, and spices have been identified as potential sources of lead exposure, especially when these are imported. 

This doesn't mean imported foods are automatically unsafe. It does mean providers should understand that lead exposure can come from sources that may not be immediately obvious.

Toys, Jewelry and Consumer Products

Some toys, children's jewelry, and other consumer products have also been associated with lead exposure. Pay attention to product recalls and be cautious about older, damaged, or questionable children's products. Again, if something is recalled or known to be made with lead it should be removed from facility immediately. 

Here is the list of recalled products: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls

Lead Can Be Brought Home From Work

Adults who work around lead can unknowingly bring lead dust home on their clothing or shoes. Occupations and hobbies involving certain construction work, manufacturing, shooting ranges, fishers, artists, mechanics, plastics, batteries, metal work, or other lead-containing materials can create opportunities for "take-home" exposure. This is an especially important consideration for a Family Child Care Home because the childcare environment is also someone's residence. Childcare providers should educate families the dangers of lead they can possibly be bringing home to their child. 

To quickly teach families these dangers, the following flyer can be presented (which must also be printed and posted at the facility): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/CCP%20Documents/AB%202370%20Lead%20Bill%20Flyer%20-CCLPO2.pdf?ver=2019-01-03-162722-500

Don't Forget About Drinking Water

Lead can enter drinking water through certain plumbing materials, fixtures, solder, or service lines. You can't tell whether water contains lead simply by looking at it or tasting it. Most water in California is lead-free but if your water is contaminated - using only cold tap water, flushing and filtering before drinking, food preparation, and infant formula is important.

Depending on the type of childcare facility you operate, additional California requirements concerning lead testing of drinking water may apply. Childcare centers built before January 1st, 2010 are required to have the drinking water at the facility tested for its lead levels every 5 consecutive years. Here is a list of water testing laboratories which can perform this: https://www.epa.gov/dwlabcert/contact-information-certification-programs-and-certified-laboratories-drinking-water

Lead Poisoning Often Has No Obvious Symptoms

One of the most important things childcare providers should understand is that a child with lead poisoning may not look or act sick. When symptoms do occur, they can resemble ordinary childhood complaints, such as stomachaches, irritability, headaches, or loss of appetite. The outcome can become severe and even lead to death. A blood lead test is used to determine whether a child has been exposed and is a quick and easy way to get a child the help they need. 

Prevention Starts With Awareness

You don't need to be a lead expert to reduce potential exposure in a childcare environment. Pay attention to deteriorating paint, dust, soil, drinking water, children's products, food containers, and other possible sources. Encourage frequent handwashing and maintain good cleaning practices. Most importantly, don't assume that because you can't see lead, it isn't there.

If there is ever a doubt you can always purchase a lead home test kit to send a sample to have tested for its contamination level. 

Understanding where exposure can occur is the first step toward creating a safer environment for the children in your care.

This article is intended as general educational information. Childcare providers should consult current California Community Care Licensing, California Department of Public Health, and other applicable guidance for requirements specific to their facility.