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.
Consumer Product Recalls
- 11-23-22: Green Sprouts Stainless Steel Straw Bottles, Sippy Cups and Sip & Straw Cups
- 11-23-22: Bentex Clothing Sets
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 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; in English and en Español
Exposure
Because lead exposure often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. If you think you or your child have been in contact with lead, contact your healthcare provider about what you can do. Your doctor can do a blood test to check you or your child for lead exposure.
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:
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.
If you have questions about lead testing and results for your school, contact them for more 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
5 Things You Can Do: Fact sheet with information on how to help lower elevated blood lead levels; in English and en Español
Additional Resources:
Regulatory Information:
- Maryland Department of Environment: Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- Regulations on Lead in Drinking Water – Public and Nonpublic Schools (Code of Maryland Regulations 26.16.07)
- EPA: Lead Regulations