Childhood Lead Poisoning
Each year on average, several children in Jackson County are determined to have elevated blood lead levels and lead poisoning. This condition is usually discovered when testing is done at well-child visits to the doctor. It is recommended that children be screened for blood lead at one year and again at age two, at a minimum.
By far the biggest source of concern is the lead paint that is found in much of our county’s older housing, but there are many other sources that range from lead paint, soil and water, dishes, home remedies, toys, the jobs and hobbies of the older individuals they live with to other sources.
Take time to learn about possible lead sources in your home to keep everyone safe.
Childhood Lead Poisoning
A child who comes into contact with lead-contaminated dust, soil or paint chips is easily poisoned. All it takes is hand-to-mouth activity, which is perfectly normal for young children to engage in. Just the lead dust equivalent to a sugar packet is enough for a child to have lead poisoning, with potentially serious consequences.
Young children under the age of six are especially vulnerable to lead's harmful health effects, because their brains and central nervous systems are still being formed. For them, even very low levels of lead exposure can result in reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing, and kidney damage.
Some Helpful Links:
For more information on lead prevention, visit the Environmental Health section of our website: Environmental Lead Prevention
