• Developmental delays  
• Mental retardation  
• Reduced IQ
• Reading and learning disabilities  
• Behavioral problems
• Deficits in language (e.g., speech delay)  
• Reduced Cognitive function
• Hearing impairments  
• Hyperactivity

Lead poisoning can also affect adults:

• Hypertension
• Anemia
• Decreased fertility
• Muscle development problems
• Early-onset dementia

• Their brains and nervous systems are still forming.
• They frequently crawl on floors or furniture contaminated with lead dust and put their hands or other objects in their mouths.
• More of the lead that gets into their mouth is taken up into their bodies.
• Lead remains in their bodies for a long time.
• Much of the lead is stored in their bones.
  

Pregnant women exposed to lead should ask their doctor about a blood test. An infant born to a mother with an elevated level of lead in her blood would be at risk for lead poisoning.

• Damp-mop floors and damp-wipe surfaces often; frequently wash a child's hands, pacifiers, and toys to reduce exposure to lead; and take off shoes before going inside your home.
• Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and for making baby formula. Run water for 1 minute each time before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours.  Hot water is more likely to contain higher levels of lead.  Most of the lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house, not from the local water supply. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
• Avoid using home remedies for illness as well as cosmetics (for example kohl, alkohl) that contain lead.
• If your work or hobbies involve working with lead-based products take basic steps to decrease your exposure to lead (for example, by showering and changing clothes after finishing the task).  If you plan to remodel a building built before 1978, it is best to hire a professional with training on lead-safe practices to do the work.
• Don't let children chew on anything covered with lead paint.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals regularly.  Diets high in iron and calcium can help reduce the amount of lead that is absorbed by the body. 
• Don't store food in pottery or cans as they may contain lead. 

• In homes in the city, country, or suburbs
• In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public housing
• Inside and outside of the house
  

Soil - In soil around a home. Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.

Dust - In household dust. Dust can pick up lead from deteriorating lead-based paint or from soil tracked into a home.
 
Water - In drinking water. Your home might have plumbing that contains lead. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water for lead. You cannot see, smell, or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead.