Free Lead Screens In October
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week falls October 24-30 this year. Over 3 million American households have children under the age of 6 years old who are at risk of exposure to lead. Lead toxicity is serious because even relatively low levels of lead in the blood can harm children by causing impaired cognitive development, speech problems, delayed growth, damage to the brain and nervous system, learning and behavior problems, and other health issues. There is no established “safe” levels of lead for children.
Some important facts:
· Homes built before 1978 (which is most homes in Marshall County) have lead-based paints. The dust and chips from these paints pose a health hazard, but most at risk are pregnant women and children.
· Adults and children can get lead into their bodies by breathing in lead dust during renovation activities, swallowing lead dust that settles on foods or kitchen surfaces, or eating paint chips or playing in soil that contain lead.
· Lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures can leach lead into the drinking water.
· Some types of toys, pottery, and furniture can also pose lead hazards.
The good news is that lead toxicity is 100% preventable:
· Test your home. If you live in a home built before 1978, a certified inspector or risk assessor can be hired to check your home for lead-based paint or lead hazards. If renting, ask your landlord to have your home or apartment tested. You can also talk to your local health department about testing your home.
· Renovate safely. Common renovation activities such as sanding, cutting, and replacing windows can create hazardous lead dust. Make sure you hire contractors certified by the Environmental Protection Agency that take precautions to avoid this dangerous situation.
· Remove lead sources from children. Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website to stay up-to-date on toys and jewelry that have been recalled due to lead. Discard these toys safely so no children will have access to them.
One of the most important ways to prevent elevated lead levels is to have your children screened for lead toxicity. Most pediatrician offices (like Culver Pediatrics Center) universally screen all children at 12 and 24 months during their routine wellness visits at those ages. Lead screens are a blood test. The blood is drawn by a quick finger stick, and the blood drops are collected by a capillary tube. The results usually take less than 5 minutes to develop.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has reported that many children have not received routine wellness care during the last 1 ½ years as a result of the COVID pandemic, which includes lead screens.
To raise awareness about National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Culver Pediatrics Center is offering free lead screens to all children in the Marshall County and surrounding areas during the month of October. While children under the age of 3 years are at highest risk for lead toxicity, we will test children of any age upon request. Email us to schedule a free lead screen.
Watch this video to learn more. https://youtu.be/opH4I8hpBxI
We aim to be the best pediatric practice in Marshall County, Lake Maxinkuckee area, and the state of Indiana. If your child is not yet part of the Culver Pediatrics Center family, sign up in the email opt-in below to learn more about our boutique pediatrician services.
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