Lead

Lead can have harmful health effects, even at low levels of exposure.

Lead is especially harmful to unborn babies and young children. You could be exposed to lead by breathing in or swallowing lead. You could also be exposed through skin contact with lead, but you tend not to absorb as much through skin.

There are many potential sources of exposure, including air, soil, dust, drinking water, food and spices, old flaking and peeling paint, and various consumer products like toys, jewellery, and alternative medicines.

Learn more about sources of lead exposure from Health Canada.

If you're concerned:

Talk to your doctor about having a blood test to measure your lead levels.
You can check to see if you should have Peel Region test your drinking water for lead. Find out if you're eligible.
Call Peel Public Health about other sources of lead.

For more information about lead, including the health effects and how to prevent exposure, refer to the following resources:

Resources to keep children safe are available from the Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and the Environment: