Are These 7 Hidden Chemicals in Your Home Secretly Undermining Your Health?

Lead

Lead is a heavy metal found in faucets and pipes (which can in turn cause water contamination), paint, jewelry, and toys. It is particularly dangerous to babies and young children because of their small size and developing brains, as lead exposure negatively affects cognitive development.

Exposure has been linked to lower IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. It has also been associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This issue is playing out in real time: In 2016, parents in Flint, Michigan, filed a class-action lawsuit against the state’s Department of Education, alleging that nearly 30,000 children have been exposed to this toxin, which has adversely affected their academic, social, and behavioral success.

According to the CDC, the best ways to protect children from lead exposure include having a licensed lead inspector examine your home, particularly before renovations; cleaning up dust from peeling paint, which may contain lead; and feeding children a healthy diet high in calcium, vitamin C, and iron.

Additional research by Emma Rubin. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Elisa Huang. Copy editing by Paris Close.