LEAD EXPOSURE
Today the Centers for Disease Control estimates that at least 4 million households have children living in them that are being exposed to high levels of lead, with approximately half a million U.S. children ages 1-5 having elevated blood lead levels.
No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body. High levels of lead in their blood is known to impact children's intelligence and physical agility with the possibility of life-long effects.
Because lead exposure often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized.
Lead can be found in many places around your home, in childcare centers and schools. It can be found in the water, in dirt or in paint on walls. Because it does not break down naturally, lead can remain in the environment until it is cleaned up.
Check with your doctor if you are concerned about health effects from lead. Your doctor can help you decide if you should test your child's blood for lead. You may also want to test your water, dirt and paint in your home to see if they contain lead.
Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and can be found on the Washington State Department of Health's web site:
- Who is at risk of lead poisoning?
- Common Sources of lead poisoning
- Reducing lead exposure in drinking water
- What is lead? How to prevent exposure
- Who should be tested for lead poisoning?
INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
- Clinical Algorithm Blood Lead Testing
- PEHSU Medical Management of Childhood Lead Exposure & Poisoning
INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS & CHILDCARE CENTERS
- EPA: Lead in Drinking Water at Schools and Child Care Facilities
- Lead in School Drinking Water
- Sampling instructions