Lead poisoning presents a significant threat to children’s health. Exposure to lead, a harmful metal, can lead to serious health issues such as developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Despite the ban on lead paint by the federal government almost half a century ago, lead is still present in various sources, from old paint to contaminated soil and water.
While both adults and children can suffer from lead poisoning, children aged six and under are particularly vulnerable. This is due to their habit of putting toys and hands, which may carry lead dust, into their mouths. Children’s growing bodies absorb lead more readily than adults, making them more susceptible to its harmful effects.
It’s crucial to note that there is no safe level of lead in the body. Lead poisoning negatively impacts a child’s physical and mental development, resulting in developmental delays that can hinder learning and lead to long-term health issues. Prolonged exposure to lead increases the likelihood of severe health consequences for children.
Fortunately, lead poisoning is preventable. By eliminating lead sources in your child’s environment and ensuring they undergo blood tests for lead levels, you can safeguard your child’s health. Blood lead level tests are crucial in detecting lead poisoning in children and should be conducted as recommended by the child’s doctor.
Uncovering Hidden Sources of Lead
Lead exposure varies based on a child’s living conditions, with children from minority groups and lower-income families facing higher risks due to residing in older homes and communities.
Lead-based paint remains a significant source of lead poisoning in children. In regions like Pennsylvania, where 70% of homes were constructed before the ban on lead-based paint, the risks are considerable.
Damage to lead-based paint, whether through chipping, peeling, or frictional activities, releases harmful dust into the air. This dust settles on floors, windowsills, and other surfaces, exposing children who crawl and play in these areas to lead contamination.
Other Sources of Contamination
In addition to lead-based paint, older communities in industrial areas or regions with high traffic may have lead-contaminated soil. Children may come into contact with lead in the soil while playing outside or through dust tracked indoors on shoes or pet paws. Lead exposure can also occur through contact with contaminated clothing or items from certain industries.
Additional sources of lead include:
- Water passing through old lead pipes and plumbing fixtures
- Glazed pottery, ceramics, and some imported items like toys and jewelry
- Obsolete electronics or recycled goods
Symptoms and Effects of Child Lead Poisoning
Common warning signs of lead poisoning in children include stomach pain, vomiting, irritability, and fatigue. However, these symptoms may only manifest when the lead level in the body has reached dangerous levels.
Lead poisoning can lead to severe long-term health issues such as learning disabilities, lower IQ, attention deficit disorder, and behavioral problems.
Testing Options for Child Lead Levels
Discuss the risk of lead poisoning with your child’s doctor and follow their recommendations for lead testing. If your child is covered by a commercial Independence Blue Cross (Independence) or Keystone HMO Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from Independence, there are convenient options for testing:
- At their doctor’s office
- At participating Labcorp patient service centers, including Labcorp at Walgreens
Check your child’s health plan benefits for coverage details on blood lead level tests. A doctor’s prescription is required for testing at Labcorp locations, and appointments can be scheduled accordingly.
Locate the nearest Labcorp patient service center or Labcorp at Walgreens and book an appointment via labcorp.com. For assistance in finding a doctor, visit ibx.com and search based on your child’s health plan.
Preventing Lead Poisoning
If your child tests positive for lead, the doctor can advise on reducing levels, treatment options for high lead levels, and preventing further exposure. Regular testing and collaboration with healthcare professionals are essential.
For more information on lead poisoning and testing, speak with a Registered Nurse Health Coach 24/7:
- Independence Blue Cross members: 1-800-ASK-BLUE (1-800-275-2583) (TTY/TDD: 711)
- Keystone HMO CHIP members: 1-833-444-6428 (TTY/TDD: 711)
If lead is present in your home, explore local lead removal resources in Philadelphia or consider national lead removal programs.
Implement these strategies to reduce your child’s exposure to lead:
- Regularly clean floors and dusty surfaces with a wet cloth
- Remove shoes before entering the home
- Keep your child’s hands, toys, and other items clean
- Include iron, vitamin C, and calcium-rich foods in your child’s diet
- Closely monitor construction activities for dust control
- Test older homes for lead in paint and pipes, arranging for safe removal if detected
- Test soil in outdoor play areas to limit exposure
- Inquire about lead testing at places your child frequents, like daycare centers
Act now to safeguard your child’s well-being and ensure they thrive without the risks associated with lead exposure.
