Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to their lifelong health. Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be found in the air, soil, dust and paint inside or outside of some homes and other buildings built before 1978. Lead is toxic to everyone, but because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly, lead is especially toxic to unborn babies and young children less than six years of age. No level of lead in the blood has been found to be safe but lead toxicity can be prevented.

The IDOH Lead and Healthy Homes Division tracks the prevalence of lead exposure in Hoosier children and supports local health departments and community partners in promoting primary prevention efforts to minimize exposure and the resulting health risks through education, proactive screening, treatment, case management, and the remediation of lead hazards.