When a child is diagnosed with confirmed lead poisoning, Wake County is legally required to investigate the child’s home and other places they spend large amounts of time. For children with elevated blood lead levels (EBLs), investigations are strongly recommended, but participation is voluntary. If a family agrees to an investigation, Wake County inspectors will visit the home to take environmental samples and check for potential lead hazards. The investigation may take several hours as inspectors carefully examine the home, looking for sources of lead exposure.
Inspectors use a device called an XRF to test areas like walls and windowsills for lead. They may also take samples of items such as spices, cultural items, or traditional remedies for lab testing. In addition, they collect water samples to check for lead contamination in the home’s plumbing system.
During the investigation, inspectors work directly with the family to explain the process, answer questions, and provide recommendations for reducing lead risks in the home. Families participating in these investigations receive free safety kits designed to help minimize lead exposure and encourage lead-safe practices in the home. This service is provided at no cost.
Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable environmental health problem in the United States. About a million children in the U.S. have blood lead levels of at least 10 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL)—a level high enough to adversely affect their intelligence, behavior and development. Parents with children under the age of six should have their child’s blood tested for lead exposure at their pediatrician's office.
Lead-based paint is the most common lead poisoning hazard and is often found in older homes. It can flake and generate dust that children can ingest through hand-to-mouth activity. Buildings constructed prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Renovation work to repair non-intact lead paint should be performed by a certified lead renovator.
Other Common Sources of Lead Exposure
- Herbs and spices grown in soils contaminated with lead
- Vinyl mini-blinds sold before 1997
- Some candies imported from Mexico and Asia
- Bullets and batteries
- Some toys and toy jewelry
- Old water pipes
- Lead glaze in some ceramic containers, cookware, or tableware
- Some imported cosmetics, including Kohl, Surma, and Sindoor
- Some home remedies (e.g., Greta and Azarcon)
- Some ceremonial powders, including Kumkum, Rangoli, and Vibhuti
Childcare Facilities and Lead Screening
Childcare facilities in Wake County are also part of our lead prevention efforts. There are over 380 childcare centers in Wake County, and all are required to test their water for lead at regular intervals. Wake County Health Inspectors monitor for chipping paint at older childcare centers during routine inspections and refer the center to the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Team if a hazard is suspected. If a child involved in a lead investigation has spent significant time in a childcare facility, that facility will also be included in the investigation process.
Buildings constructed before 1978 that house childcare centers must undergo inspection for lead-based paint. If a new childcare center wishes to open in such a building, Wake County will conduct a thorough investigation during the Plan Review process to ensure that the facility is free from lead hazards before children are allowed to attend.
Lead Resource Links
Need more information on childhood lead poisoning or the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program?
Contact:
Daryl Beasley, REHS: 919-796-8767
Daryl.Beasley@wake.gov
Loc Nguyen, REHS: 919-500-6372
Loc.Nguyen@wake.gov