For the record, there is no safe level of lead. Young children exposed to lead from birth to age six, the time when their neurological systems are developing, are at the highest risk of long-term damage. Here is some information and tips on lowering their risk.

Prolonged exposure to lead can cause learning disabilities, behavioral and attention span problems, lower intelligence, not to mention nerve, kidney, liver and brain damage. High exposure levels can also cause seizures, anemia, coma or even death. More bad news: lead exposure has been shown to contribute to osteoporosis, hypertension, and heart disease, particularly in males. Lead levels in the blood are dangerously high by the time children exhibit the physical symptoms of poisoning.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a variety of cognitive and physical problems can result from high lead levels, which peak in children by age 2. Low lead levels can also be problematic causing cognitive delays and lower IQs.

In the state of Maryland where I live the law mandates that all children under the age of six prior to starting daycare, preschool, or public school be screened for lead poisoning. In certain high-risk areas, healthcare providers are required to test the blood lead levels in children at 12 months and 24 months of age.

Where did the lead come from? Prior to 1978, lead was a common component in household paints. Many homes still have this paint on their walls, sometimes hidden under layers of new paint. Cracks, chips and general deterioration leads to the release of paint dust, and this dust is the primary source of lead exposure. The dust is easily ingested by young children because it clings to clothing, utensils, toys, and fingers. When it comes to lead poisoning, prevention and eliminating the risk of exposure is the best plan of action.

The CDC suggests the following steps will lower the risk of lead poisoning in kids:

• Tested your child for lead exposure. Most physicians typically do a baseline screening in all new patients between the age of 2 and 6. It requires drawing a small amount of blood, and can be a scary test for a child — not to mention uncomfortable for squeamish parents — but it’s simple, fast, and necessary. The test is covered by most insurers and by Medicaid.
   
• If you live in an older home, specifically, one built before 1978, or even if you live close to a very busy road, have your home and the soil in your yard tested for lead levels. Check with your state or county health department for lead poisoning prevention resources.
   
• Come clean. Get rid of dust and peeling paint, especially on surfaces and fixtures your children touch frequently, such as floors and window sills.
   
• Pregnant women and young children should not be around homes built before 1978 that are being renovated.
   
• Make sure your kids wash their hands, especially before eating. Get in the habit of cleaning pacifiers, bottles and toys. Wet wipe windows and wet mop floors — household dust is a major source of lead.
   
• Many homes and municipalities still use old lead pipes to carry drinking water. Unwanted lead can leech into your water supply. To help combat this run the faucet until the water is as cold as possible. Do this every time you need water for cooking or drinking. Additionally, consider a water filter. Several makers, such as Brita, claim to filter out lead.
   
• Steer clear of playing in bare soil. Provide a sandbox for young children, plant grass, or cover the bare soil with mulch or wood chips.

For more information, visit /www.leadsafe.org.