The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning regarding a dangerous threat present in numerous British households, particularly endangering young children. The public health organization, responsible for monitoring environmental risks, has raised concerns through social media. Lead poisoning risks from paint continue to be a significant issue, with even a small flake being potentially harmful to young children. Lead-based paint, prevalent before the 1970s and discontinued after 1992, could contain up to 50% lead by weight in British paints manufactured before this period.
The UKHSA has cautioned that leaded paint, still present in non-remediated Victorian properties, can trigger lead poisoning in young children if ingested. International lead poisoning prevention week highlights additional sources of lead exposure in households, including pipework, earth, imported food, and traditional medicines.
Children’s behavior of mouthing non-food items can lead to exposure to lead paint. If a child exhibits pica, an eating disorder where they consume non-food items like paint chips, a blood test may be necessary. Recommendations include considering vitamin and mineral supplements, distracting the child from ingesting harmful items, and seeking advice from pediatric occupational therapists.
Lead exposure can also occur through water pipework with lead-based solder or non-compliant fittings. Once absorbed, lead is distributed in the body, with a significant portion stored in bones. X-ray examinations may reveal characteristic ‘lead lines’ whose width correlates with exposure duration. Lead has a long half-life in bones, around 10 to 30 years, while it clears more rapidly from blood and soft tissues.
The body eliminates lead primarily through urine and feces. High lead exposure may necessitate follow-up blood tests in children to assess the effectiveness of exposure reduction measures. If concerned about lead exposure effects, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner or contact NHS 111 for guidance.