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Blood Lead Levels in Children - Information from CDC

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. The EPA and CDC agree that there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood.

CDC's Lead Poisoning Prevention site reviews primary and secondary prevention, common sources of lead, at risk populations and the health effects of lead exposure. The site also provides blood lead reference values and answers to frequently asked questions. More detailed lead safety, exposure and abatement information can be found on EPA's Lead site.

Among the steps families can take to protect themselves from lead exposure is ensuring good nutrition. In particular, three key nutrients, vitamin C, iron and calcium are thought to help limit the body’s absorption of lead. WIC participants can get these key nutrients through eating certain foods, many of which are in the WIC food packages.

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