Lead

Facts about lead and exposure

Lead, Exposure, and Testing

Learn more about lead in the environment, as well as exposure and testing information

Lead is a naturally occurring element and can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, the soil, the water, and even inside our homes. Individuals can be exposed to lead from many different sources, such as paint, gasoline, pipes and plumbing materials, and solder.

What Every Parent Should Know About Lead

There is no established safe level of lead in the human body. No exposure to lead can be regarded as free from potential harm. Lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body. Click the links below to read more on how lead can impact the health of children, pregnant women and adults.

Lead in the Environment

Lead Can Be Found Throughout a Child’s Environment

Lead is Preventable

Simple steps, like keeping your home clean and well-maintained, will go a long way in preventing lead exposure. The CDC offers these tips for populations at high risk.

Know the Facts: General lead poisoning prevention information.

Management

The St. Mary’s County Health Department offers Lead Poisoning Prevention and Environmental Case Management for qualifying children in St. Mary’s County with elevated blood lead levels. Call (301) 475-4330 for more information.

Program components:

Home Visits
Environmental Assessment
Education
- Reducing Hazards
- Impact on Health
- Managing Elevated Levels
Communication with Primary Care Physician
Tools for Lead Management
Referrals for Lead Abatement Services

Lead in Drinking Water

Lead can enter drinking water when service pipes that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. Learn more about:

• The Basics of Lead in Drinking Water

• The maximum allowable content of lead in pipes, solder, fittings and fixtures

• The EPA’s regulations to prevent lead in drinking water

• Identifying lead-free certification marks on water systems and plumbing products

• The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR)

New Requirements for Lead Testing

School Water Testing

Maryland legislation passed in 2017 requires all public and nonpublic schools serving children (pre-kindergarten to grade 12) to test for the presence of lead in all drinking water outlets served by public water systems. Schools that are served by private well systems are also monitored for lead under separate regulations. If you have questions or comments about this new legislation, please click here. We welcome your input as we review these new regulations.