The metal, lead, was once used for water pipes and as an additive in paints years ago. Even though it's not used for pipes and paint these days, at least not in the United States, many old homes and apartment buildings may still have an old coat of this paint on their walls, which can crack or peel, and then picked up and eaten by a child. The lead in old water pipes can leech into the water that's used in these homes, too. Lead can also exist in certain types of pottery made with a lead glazing. Lead can also be used in certain folk remedies, too. You know, those old traditional things passed down through the generations as a way to heal.

All these situations can cause lead to be taken into the body where it competes with iron for absorption, which can then lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Now the effects of consuming lead go way beyond anemia, as too much lead can cause learning, hearing and behavioral problems, as well.

There you have it. A number of possible causes of anemia. I'm sure you can see why the WIC Program only assesses the client's blood for hemoglobin, and does not diagnose anemia. There are just too many potential causes for it. This is why it’s best left to a licensed healthcare professional.