For many years, it has been publicly known that vast amounts of lead can cause sever brain damage in children. Now, it is also recognized that even small amounts of lead can cause reduced IQ, retard growth, damage the kidneys, alter enzyme function, cause behaviour problems and learning problems as well as attention and hearing deficiencies in children. 
Children are very sensitive to health hazards of lead because of their growth, development and increased metabolism.

Child care providers and parents need to be aware of what the sources of lead are in their facilities and homes and what can be done to minimize their children's exposure. Children can be expose to lead by:

* Ingesting lead based paint. Although lead based paint is prohibited, many older buildings and homes still harbor lead paint. As paint cracks or flakes, microscopic lead containing particles are shed. Most children get lead poisoning from ingesting paint flakes, breathing in paint dust, or chewing on surfaces that have been painted with lead based paint. If you suspect that your facility or home has been painted with lead based paint, have all the paint professionally removed.
* Drinking water that has been moved through lead pipes. In North America, it is estimated that the water in ten of millions of homes is contaminated with lead. This is water that has traveled through lead pipes or where pipes have been soldered with lead. If you fear that your water has been contaminated by lead, have your local water department test it. If test result come back positive, find the source of the problem and remove it immediately. Cease drinking water from the tap until the lead has been removed.
* Eating food that has been taken from lead-soldered cans or served on lead-glazed pottery or ceramic ware. Avoid cooking, eating, or serving any food that has been contaminated by lead and discard all lead-glazed pottery and ceramic ware.
* Not washing hands after reading or touching newspapers or magazines. High levels of lead are found in printing inks used in magazines and newspapers. Make it a habit of always washing ones hands after touching newspapers or magazines and never allow children to ingest the paper.

As a child care provider, try to minimize children's exposure to lead by:
* Keeping children away from known sources of lead
* Increasing children's resistance to lead poisoning with healthy food
* Washing children's hands before meals and after play
* Using arts and craft material that is lead free
* Purchasing toys that are lead free
* Storing food, juice and other goods in lead free containers such as glass, stainless steel or plastic
* Having your child care facility evaluated for lead hazards