The Kane County Health Department is encouraging early lead testing for children to help identify lead exposure as early as possible.
In line with new state requirements, the county’s health department is encouraging parents and caregivers to talk to their pediatrician about lead testing for children at 12 and 24 months old, according to a news release from the health department.
As of July 1, the state of Illinois expanded its lead screening requirements for children. Previously lead testing requirements applied to children living in “high-risk ZIP codes,” according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Now, under the new standard, all Illinois children are to be tested automatically at 12 and 24 months, per the IDPH. All children 6 years old and younger are also required to be assessed for lead exposure via a questionnaire administered by a health care provider.
“There is no safe level of lead exposure for children, and even low levels can affect a child’s health and development,” Kane County Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson said in a recent news release. “Blood lead testing helps identify exposure early, allowing families to receive the support and resources they need to reduce further exposure and improve long-term health outcomes.”
Lead poisoning is the number one environmental illness for children, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, and is caused primarily by lead-based paint in older homes. Illinois has one of the highest rates in the nation for the number of children with elevated blood lead levels.
Lead exposure can damage the brain and nervous system and cause developmental delays, behavioral problems, learning difficulties, slowed growth and hearing or speech problems, the county health department news release said. And, since many children with elevated blood lead levels show no obvious symptoms, testing is the only way to know if a child has been exposed.
Under state law, blood tests showing confirmed lead levels greater than 3.5 micrograms per deciliter require a public health intervention, including a home inspection to determine the source of the lead contamination, according to the IDPH. If lead is found, the inspector will work with the resident to remove any sources of lead. A public health nurse will also educate the family on how to protect children from the effects of lead.
In Kane County, the health department’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention program works with families to identify lead hazards, provide education and connect residents with resources, the news release from the county health department said.
Per the news release, Kane County residents looking to learn more about lead poisoning prevention can go to https://www.kanehealth.com/pages/lead.aspx. Residents can also contact the department’s information and referral specialist.
