Childhood Lead Poisoning
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Lead poisoning is the No. 1 environmental health threat to children in the U.S. Nationwide, one in every 11 children between the ages of 1 and 5 has an elevated level of lead in his or her blood. Children exposed to too much lead may have reading disabilities and problems with attention and motor coordination when they enter school. They may also exhibit behavioral problems. In most cases, there are no obvious symptoms to indicate that the child is being exposed to dangerous levels of lead. The only way to be sure that your children don’t have lead poisoning is to get them tested. New York State requires lead screening of all children under age 6. Children enrolling in licensed day care or preschool must have a certificate of lead screening. Ask your doctor, or call your local health department to find out where to have the test done. Depending on your income, the tests may be free. |