Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a safe level of lead?

EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood. Lead is harmful to health, especially for children.

What are sources of lead exposure?

A child's environment is full of lead. Children are exposed to lead from different sources (such as paint, gasoline, solder and consumer products) and through different pathways (such as air, food, water, dust and soil). In Iowa, lead-based paint from older housing is the primary source of exposure to children.

At what blood lead level do children receive services?

The Iowa Department of Public Health recommends families be provided with information and educated on the dangers of lead poisoning regardless of the child’s blood lead level. Most intervention services are recommended when a child’s venous blood level reaches 15 micrograms per deciliter of blood or higher.

Who provides services for children with elevated blood lead levels?

Many counties in Iowa have a local childhood lead poisoning prevention program that coordinates services for families of children with elevated blood lead levels.

For more information on lead poisoning contact us at 1-800-972-2026 or online at Contact Us.