Lead! Get Your Child Tested!

According to the CT Department of Public Health, childhood lead poisoning is the most common pediatric public health problem, yet it is entirely preventable! Once a child has been poisoned, the impairment it may cause is irreversible. Lead can harm a child’s nervous systems and is associated with reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities. In rare cases, large doses can cause coma, convulsions and death.  Lead paint in homes built before 1978 is the most common source of lead exposure. No amount of lead in the body is safe. The damage lead can cause to children is forever! If a pregnant woman is around lead, she and her unborn child may become lead poisoned causing lasting damage. Does your child need to be testing for lead poisoning? Yes, all children, at about ages one and two, must be tested for lead poisoning…it’s the law! Blood tests will tell how much lead is in your child’s blood at the time of the test. If the level is high, your child will need more testing. If your child is at risk at other ages, have your child tested at those times too. Lead enters the body through the mouth or nose. Lead is not absorbed through the skin. Just a few particles of dust from lead-based paint are enough to poison a child. Since children often put their hands or toys in their mouths, washing their hands helps protect them from lead poisoning. Visit http://www2.epa.gov/lead or leadfreekids.org  to learn about the actions you can take to protect your family. If you do not have internet access, you can call Quinnipiack Valley Health District, 203 248-4528 for written materials.