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Lead Case
Management Program
Lead poisoning is the most
common and preventable environmental disease affecting children in
America
today. It affects one out of six
preschool age children. Health risks associated with lead poisoning are
reduced IQ, anemia, stunted growth, impaired hearing, kidney damage,
learning disabilities, ADD, and behavioral problems.
These may be permanent or result in death.
Potential sources of lead are
paint chips or dust, contaminated soil or water, lead-related occupations
(soldering, welding, auto repair) and hobbies (shooting, fishing), or
imported products (mini-blinds, cosmetics, herbal remedies, toys, chalk,
jewelry, candy, etc.)
Lead can enter the body
through the mouth, usually from hand to mouth contact, but also from
inhaling lead dust or breastfeeding moms if they have a high level of lead.
Small children are at higher
risk as they crawl on the floor, touch a lot of things and frequently
put their hands in their mouths. Lead
can harm a mother and her unborn baby.
A simple finger-stick blood
test allows your doctor to check your child’s lead level.
Does your child….
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Live in or regularly visit
a house built before 1950? This includes a day care center, preschool, or home of a baby sitter or
relative.
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Live in or visit a house
that has peeling, chipping, dusting or chalking paint?
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Live in or visit a house
built before 1978 with recent, ongoing, or planned
renovation/remodeling?
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Have a sibling or playmate
who has or did have lead poisoning?
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Frequently come in contact
with an adult who has a hobby or works with lead?
Examples are construction, welding, pottery, painting, and casting
ammunition.
If you answered
"Yes" to any of these questions, your child may be at risk for
lead poisoning. Contact us for more information about lead screening
and lead poisoning prevention.
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