What can I do if my child’s lead level is elevated?

Medicine to remove lead from the body has its own risks and therefore is not prescribed until blood lead levels are greater than 45 micrograms per deciliter. Low levels of lead will be removed from the body over time (through the urine and stool).

Regardless of your child’s lead level, you should speak with your child’s health care provider to have your child further evaluated if he or she does not seem to be developing normally.

Activities

There are activities you can do with your child that will stimulate his or her brain as it is developing and may counteract the possible damage caused by lead. These activities include:

  • Being engaged in your child’s school activities. Discuss assignments, field trips, etc.
  • Making sure your child goes to preschool.
  • Reading to your child and promoting reading in your home.
  • Talking with your child and asking him or her questions. Listen and respond to their answers.

Show All Answers

1. Where did the lead and arsenic come from?
2. How does the lead and arsenic in soil get into our bodies?
3. Has the lead and arsenic in the soil from the East Chicago site gotten into our bodies?
4. How can the lead and arsenic from the soil affect our health?
5. Should my child get a blood lead test?
6. Should I be worried if my child’s lead level is elevated?
7. What can I do if my child’s lead level is elevated?
8. What can I do to prevent the lead and arsenic in the soil from getting into my child’s body?