Lead poisoning can harm children; make a home check for exposure

    Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department is working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to promote lead testing in children and help families and individuals with lead levels that are higher than tolerable limits.
    “Anyone can be exposed to lead,” states Melissa Propp, Clinic Manager at SWNPHD.
    “There are often no obvious symptoms, which makes lead testing very important,” she said.
    Children between ages of 1 to 5 should have a blood lead test. If their lead level is high, a quick survey of the home can help identify the source of the lead exposure, Propp said.
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 4 million households have children living in them that are being exposed to high levels of lead.  
    Lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust are the most common sources of lead for U.S. children. Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1978; however, houses built before 1978 are likely to contain some lead-based paint.
    Homeowners should check for areas of cracking paint that looks like alligator skin, especially around windows, door frames, porches and around the foundation. Other sources of exposure can be via parents who work in galvanizing, building remodeling or have hobbies like re-loading ammunition or making fishing lures.
    Small children are more susceptible to lead exposure because of their tendency to put things in their mouths.
    “Children develop a taste for lead-based paint because it is sweet, so they will return to areas of exposure,” Propp added.
    Parents or guardians can reduce this risk by washing their child’s hands before meals, before naps or bedtime and after playing outdoors.
    Individuals with a lead test that shows a blood lead level higher than 3.5 micrograms per liter will be notified by their healthcare provider and will receive information from SWNPHD, including a letter with the next steps to take. If the lead level is higher than 10, DHHS is available to come do a home inspection to assist in identifying the source of the lead.
    For more information including a complete list of potential sources, visit cdc.gov/lead.