Health Specialist:
Lead Poisoning
Prevention
Because children may be exposed to
adverse levels of lead without exhibiting
clinical symptoms, it's imperative for medical
professionals to adopt preventive methods for
determining which of their patients are at risk
for lead poisoning. Exposure to lead frequently
occurs when dust, dirt, or water containing lead
is breathed or swallowed.
As a health specialist, you serve an important
role in educating parents about the dangers of
lead and lead poisoning, as well as informing
them of the simple actions they can take to
protect their families. Be sure parents of Head
Start children receive a copy of EPA's "Chance
of a Lifetime" brochure. EPA has created a
"Home Checklist" to help parents determine if
they have lead hazards in their home. If you
have time, walk parents through the checklist
and remind them to have their children tested
for lead poisoning by a medical professional.
What Can Lead Poisoning Do to
Children?
Lead poisoning affects virtually every system in the body and occurs
with little to no distinctive symptoms; however, a child with lead poisoning
will often complain of headaches or stomachaches, or may become very
irritable and tired.
Lead poisoning in children can cause serious, irreparable damage to
their health, including:
> Central nervous system and kidney damage;
> Learning disabilities;
> Lowered intelligence; and
-• Attention Deficit Disorder.
Children with severely high blood lead levels
(BLL) are susceptible to:
'• Coma;
> Convulsions; and
> Death.
Head Start requires a blood test for lead when a child enters the
program. However, a child should be tested by a medical professional if
parents think they have been exposed to lead hazards. It is important to
remind parents that a blood test is quick and simple, and young children
enrolled in Medicaid and state health programs can receive free lead tests.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Resources
This information has been taken from EPA's "Lead In Your Home: A Parent's Reference Guide" (EPA 747-K-99-003 May
1999). For a complete copy of this booklet, or for more information, contact The National Lead Information Center at
1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or visit the EPA Lead Web site at www.epa.gov/lead.
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Blood Levels and What They Mean
A blood test tells us how much lead a child has been exposed to and the severity of a child's health risk. The chart below explains normal to
severe blood lead levels and what steps should be taken if a child is suffering from lead poisoning. Children's blood lead levels rapidly increase
from 6 to 12 months of age, and tend to peak at 18 to 24 months. Follow State or local regulations or guidelines as they may be more strict than
Federal regulations.
BLL (pg/dl)
ACTION
Below 10 |jg/dl
below 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood
If children under the age of six live in pre-1978 housing
with peeling or cracking paint, they may need to be
re-tested within the same year.
10- 14|jg/dl
micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood
The child may need to be tested again in three to six
months.
Lead hazards in the home should be identified and
removed.
15- 19 |jg/dl
micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood
The child will need another blood test in three
months.
Lead hazards in the home need to found and
removed.
20 - 44 |jg/dl
micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood
Make an appointment to confirm the child's lead
blood test and to undergo a routine checkup.
Make sure to follow the doctor's recommendation
for retesting and keep all medical appointments.
Lead hazards in the home should be identified and
removed.
Above 44 |jg/dl
micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood
The child needs IMMEDIATE full medical attention.
The child may need chelation treatment, which
gradually removes lead from the body and should
only be administered under the strict supervision
of a doctor.
Lead hazards in the home should be identified and
removed.
LEAD
Awareness
Program
*t PR
For more information about lead poisoning, visit EPffs Vlfeb site at
www.epa.gov/lead or call The National Lead Information Center at
1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
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