Wake County is launching a new educational campaign to raise awareness about childhood lead exposure, an often invisible but serious threat to young children’s health and development. Because lead poisoning can have lasting effects and many families are unaware of hidden risks, the campaign will equip parents with simple tools and information to keep their homes and children safe.

“Wake County is committed to safeguarding children from lead exposure, and education is one of our most powerful tools,” said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings. “We have developed a wide range of educational materials that will be delivered directly to families and childcare facilities.”

In 2024, the Wake County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention program received 75 lead-related referrals from pediatricians. Of these, 18 were confirmed cases of lead poisoning, 53 involved elevated blood lead levels, and three were prenatal referrals, cases where a pregnant person may have been exposed to lead. The remaining cases included childcare facilities and additional addresses.

Wake County is legally required to investigate homes when a child is diagnosed with confirmed lead poisoning. For children with elevated blood lead levels, investigations are strongly recommended but voluntary. Families participating in home lead investigations will receive safety kits to help minimize exposure and encourage conversations about lead-safe practices.

In 2024, Environmental Health and Safety Division inspectors completed 54 investigations and made 136 site visits, spending up to six hours in homes to take environmental samples and educate families. Fifteen families with children diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels declined investigations.

When lead hazards are identified, property owners are responsible for addressing them. If a property owner chooses to make non-permanent corrections, inspectors return annually to verify that a hazard remains corrected. In some cases, properties have remained under annual review for over 15 years. If a property owner fails to take any action, Wake County may pursue court orders to ensure the issue is corrected.

“There is no cost for this service, and our goal is to protect children, not penalize families,” said James R. Smith, Environmental Health Program Manager. “In some cases, the source of lead comes from cultural items brought from overseas, like cookware or spices. These families may face cultural or language barriers, which is why we’re working to reach everyone and have materials available in English, Spanish and other languages so families have the information they need to keep their children safe. Every child deserves a safe, healthy home.”

Lead exposure is especially dangerous for young children. Kids under age six are particularly vulnerable because their developing brains and bodies absorb lead more easily than adults. Even low levels of lead in the blood can result in lasting developmental and behavioral issues.

While lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 remains a common source, lead can be found in many other places as well. Wake County officials have also identified hazards in:

• Imported cultural products, such as spices and cosmetics
• Older plumbing fixtures, including water fountains and sink fixtures
• Soil around homes or buildings with deteriorating exterior paint
• Toys or jewelry made with lead-containing materials
• Indoor shooting ranges, where lead dust from ammunition can accumulate
   

Parents can take several steps to protect their children:

• Keep children away from peeling or chipped paint
• Wash hands, toys, and bottles frequently to remove dust
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water can carry more lead
• Limit your child’s access to items such as antique toys, imported crockery or house/car keys, as they all can contain lead
• Avoid using imported spices or traditional remedies not tested for lead
• Ask your child’s doctor for a blood lead test. Testing is the only way to know!
   

For more information, visit wake.gov/leadprevention or contact the Wake County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 919-856-7416.