Lead Poisoning Symptoms in Children: What NYC Parents Should Know
Most children with lead poisoning have no obvious symptoms. The only reliable way to know is a blood lead test. New York State requires doctors to test every child at age 1 and again at age 2, and to assess risk at every well visit up to age 6. If you live in a building built before 1960, ask your pediatrician about testing even if your child seems healthy.
When symptoms do show up, they are easy to confuse with normal childhood issues: irritability or behavior changes, loss of appetite, tiredness, stomach pain or constipation, trouble concentrating, and slower speech or learning. Very high levels can cause vomiting, seizures, or confusion. These require emergency care.
The CDC uses a blood lead reference value of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) to flag children with more lead exposure than most kids. There is no known safe level of lead in blood. In NYC, the Health Department follows up with families when a child's level is elevated, which can include a home inspection.
The most common source is dust from old lead paint, especially on window sills, window wells, and floors near doors. Opening and closing old windows grinds paint into fine dust that children pick up on their hands and toys. Other sources include some imported spices, ceramics, cosmetics, and soil.
1. Follow your doctor's plan for retesting. 2. Wet-wipe window sills and floors weekly and wash hands and toys often. 3. Report peeling paint to your landlord in writing and, if it is not fixed, call 311. See how to file an HPD complaint. 4. Ask for the home to be checked for lead dust. See lead dust wipe testing.
If a tenant reports a child with an elevated blood lead level, act the same day. Use EPA-certified workers, lead-safe methods, and clearance dust testing. Check the building on our HPD violation lookup or request an inspection.