Prevention and Risk Reduction Communication

posted on Sep 21, 2021

The prevention of lead toxicity in children remains a major public health concern, especially for children already at high risk for poor health outcomes.
The removal of lead sources before exposure occurs should be the focus of lead exposure prevention efforts.
Follow Bright Futures Guidelines, 4th Edition anticipatory guidance to identify families and patients who could be at risk. This includes advising families to identify lead hazards before moving into a home.
Discuss potential sources of lead with families, as well as common child behaviors that can increase risk, to raise their awareness. Potential sources include (but are not limited to) lead paint, soil, imported cookware, water, nutritional supplements, folk medicines, imported food (including spices), cosmetics, toys, ceramic dishware, and cultural/religious powders. Healthcare providers should keep in mind that cultural/religious powders and cosmetics, such as kajal or khol, may contain lead and be more prevalent among certain South Asian or Middle Eastern populations.
In addition to common hand-to-mouth behaviors in young children, special attention should be given to children and adolescents with pica.