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<br />Many homes built before 1978 have lead- <br />based paint. The federal government <br />banned lead-based paint from housing in <br />1978. Some states stopped its use even <br />earlier. Lead can be found: <br /> <br />In homes in the city. country. or suburbs. <br /> <br />In apartments. single-family homes. and <br />both private and public housing. <br /> <br />Inside and outside of the house. <br /> <br />In soil around a home. (Soil can pick up <br />lead from exterior paint or other sources <br />such as past use of leaded gas in cars.) <br /> <br />To reduce your child's exposure to lead, <br />get your child checked, have your home <br />tested (especially if your home has paint <br />in poor condition and was built before <br />1978), and fix any hazards you may have. <br />Children's blood lead levels tend to increase <br />rapidly from 6 to 12 months of age. and <br />tend to peak at 18 to 24 months of age. <br /> <br />Consult your doctor for advice on testing <br />your children. A simple blood test can <br />detect high levels of lead. Blood tests are <br />usually recommended for: <br /> <br />Children at ages 1 and 2. <br /> <br />Children or other family members who <br />have been exposed to high levels of lead. <br /> <br />Children who should be tested under <br />your state or local health screening plan. <br /> <br />Your doctor can explain what the test results <br />mean and if more testing will be needed. <br />