Families and caregivers of young children should have paint tested to find out if there is a risk of lead exposure from paint in their home.

• Infants, children and pregnant women are at higher risk. Toddlers and children can ingest lead because of their frequent hand-to-mouth activity and tendency to mouth or chew objects. Children absorb and retain more lead into their bodies compared to adults. For pregnant women, even low levels of lead can affect the growth of the developing baby.
• Lead-based paint in the home is a serious health hazard when it’s chipping, flaking or within reach of children who may chew on it.