Lead poisoning is a serious threat to children’s health, but it’s preventable — and Maryland has strong laws to protect families. There is no safe level of lead in a child. Even small amounts of lead can affect a child’s development, behavior, and overall well-being. Lead exposure occurs when a child comes in contact with lead by touching, swallowing, or breathing in lead or lead dust.

Maryland still considers lead exposure to be one of the most significant environmental factors affecting our most vulnerable population. In 2023 alone, more than 3,000 children in the state were identified with an elevated blood lead level.

What to Look Out For

Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health and cause well-documented adverse effects such as:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Slowed growth and development
• Learning and behavior problems
  
• Hearing and speech problems

This can cause:

• Lower IQ
• Decreased ability to pay attention
• Underperformance in school

There is also evidence that childhood exposure to lead can cause long-term harm.

Children Are Required to be Tested

Children are required to be tested for lead at 12 and 24 months of age. Healthcare providers and most local health departments can test for lead. Many private insurance policies cover the cost of testing. The cost of blood lead testing for children enrolled in Medicaid is covered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Elevated Blood Lead Level

A blood lead level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or greater is considered elevated for a child 6 years or younger. When a child is identified with an elevated blood lead level, parents may be contacted by their local health department and MDE to offer free services to help identify sources of lead and provide information on how to limit a child’s exposure. Follow-up testing may be needed to ensure the child’s level is decreasing.

Where Lead Can Be Found

Lead can be found throughout a child’s environment including:

• Homes built before 1978 that may contain lead-based paint and dust
• Lead in soil, particularly in play areas and gardens
• Certain foods and spices; imported ceramics, pottery, and cookware
• Tap water from pipes of older homes
• Imported cosmetics and traditional medicines
• Products such as toys and jewelry
• Jobs and hobbies that involve working with lead

Maryland’s Laws and Protections

• Rental Properties: Maryland requires landlords of pre-1978 rental properties to register with MDE annually, perform lead reduction treatments, and obtain a passing certificate at every change in occupancy or when they are notified of defects.
• Childhood Testing: Maryland law requires healthcare providers to test all children at 12 and 24 months of age for lead exposure.
• Renovations: Contractors working on homes built before 1978 must be accredited and follow lead-safe work practices.

How to Protect Your Children

• Test Your Home: If your home was built before 1978, have it inspected by an accredited lead inspector.
• Practice Good Cleaning Habits: Regularly wet clean floors, windowsills, and wells to minimize lead dust.
• Create a Healthy Environment: Make sure your child frequently washes their hands and eats a balanced diet. Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking.
• Get Your Child Tested: Even if you don’t think your child has been exposed, follow the testing schedule.
• Be Cautious with Renovations: Hire contractors accredited in Maryland when working on older homes.

Resources

Contact

You can reach our Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (410) 537-3825.​