Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Goal: Reduce the occurrence of lead poisoning in children through early identification and risk reduction interventions.

• Provides lead testing for uninsured and under-insured children 6 months to 6 years of age
• Monitors and coordinates the follow-up of lead poisoned children

Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable health problems in children.

Most children poisoned with lead do not have symptoms. Therefore, all children need to have a blood test for lead poisoning at 1 and 2 years of age. Children considered high risk for lead exposure should be tested more frequently and as early as 6 months of age.

Children at highest risk for lead-poisoning are those who:

• Live in or regularly visit a house built before 1960 where there may be chipping/peeling paint.
   
• Live in or regularly visit a house built before 1960 with recent, ongoing or planned renovations or remodeling.
   
• Have a brother or sister, housemate or playmate, being followed or treated for an elevated blood lead level.
   
• Live with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to lead. Some examples include working with stained glass, making fishing sinkers or bullets, and access to pool cue chalk.

For more information, contact your child's doctor or the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.