What's New

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
October 20 - 26, 2013

www.leadfreekids.org

 

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What's New

Update on Blood Lead Levels in Children
Blood Lead Levels in Children Fact Sheet

CDC has recently updated its recommendations on children’s blood lead levels.

By shifting the focus to primary prevention of lead exposure, we can reduce or eliminate dangerous lead sources in children’s environments before they are exposed.

What has not changed is the recommendation for when to use medical treatment for children. Experts recommend chelation therapy when a child is found with a test result of greater than or equal to 45 micrograms per deciliter of lead in blood.

Though lead can be found in many sources, lead exposure is entirely preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead and treating children who have been poisoned by lead. Parents can take simple steps to make their homes more lead-safe.

Children can be given a blood test to measure the level of lead in their blood. Talk to your child’s doctor if you are concerned about lead exposure.

Is Your Child Safe from Lead Poisoning?
Dr. Mary Jean Brown, CDC's Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch Chief discusses the importance of testing children for lead poisoning, who should be tested, and what parents can do to prevent lead poisoning.

To listen to podcast click here.

Renovate Right: Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children
Dr. Maria Doa, EPA's Director of National Program Chemicals Division discusses EPA's new rule for renovations, repairs, and painting activities.

To listen to podcast click here.

MMWR Supplement August 12, 2012/Vol. 61:
Lead in Drinking Water and Human Blood Lead Levels in the United States

MMWR May 25, 2012/61 (20); 383:
Announcement: Response to the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Report, Low Level Lead Exposure Harms Children: A Renewed Call for Primary Prevention

MMWR August 7, 2009 / 58(RR09);1-11:
Recommendations for Blood Lead Screening of Medicaid-Eligible Children Aged 1--5 Years: an Updated Approach to Targeting a Group at High Risk

MMWR November 2, 2007/Vol. 56/No. RR-8:
Interpreting and Managing Blood Lead Levels <10 ug/DL in Children and Reducing Childhood Exposures to Lead

Effective July 1, 2001 all Virginia children are to be screened at the ages of one year and two years and between 36-72 months if not previously tested unless it can be documented that they are at low risk. All Medicaid children must be screened regardless of any other risk factor at ages of one year and two years and up to 72 months if never tested.

RISK FACTORS REQUIRING TESTING

1. Eligible for or receiving benefits from Medicaid; or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
2. Living in a high-risk ZIP code area (Department of Health will maintain a list of high-risk ZIP code areas in Virginia).
3. Living in or regularly visiting a house or child care facility built before 1950.
4. Living in or regularly visiting a house, apartment, dwelling or other structure, or a child care facility built before 1978 with peeling or chipping paint or with recent (within the last six months), ongoing, or planned renovations.
5. Living in or regularly visiting a house, apartment, dwelling or other structure in which one or more persons has elevated blood-lead levels.
6. Living with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to lead as described in Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children (CDC, 1991).
7. Living near an active lead smelter, battery recycling plant, or other industry likely to release lead.
8. Recent refugee, immigrant, or child adopted from outside of the U.S.

Note: A provider must test a child for lead exposure if requested by the parent or guardian.