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WAYNE — Lead is a harmful metal found in homes and products throughout rural and urban areas of Nebraska. Sources of lead include lead paint and lead dust from older homes, lead in the soil from pollution, imported foods or medicines from other countries, cosmetics, cookware, toys or jewelry and water from plumbing fixtures that might have lead in them. Lead can affect nearly every organ system in the body, but it is particularly harmful to young children.
The Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department is encouraging parents to have their children screened for lead testing, especially if they live in or frequent buildings constructed before 1978. Communities at risk for elevated blood lead levels in Northeast Nebraska include Carroll, Fordyce, Pender, and Walthill. All these communities are high-risk zip codes for lead exposure in children. If you think your child is at risk of lead exposure, talk to your child’s doctor. A simple blood test is the only way to know if your child is exposed to lead. Most children in Nebraska should get a blood test at ages 1 and 2. All children in Nebraska under the age of 6 should be screened annually to assess risk of lead exposure. Additionally, the State of Nebraska and the federal government require that all children enrolled in Medicaid be tested for lead exposure. Ask a healthcare professional about screening test during your child’s yearly checkup.
Lead exposure, even in small amounts, can have serious health consequences for children, including developmental delays, IQ loss and behavioral problems. The CDC classifies an elevated blood lead level as 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher, with any detectable level of lead in a child’s blood being cause for concern.
Parents and caregivers can take several steps to reduce the risk of lead exposure: Get a Lead Test: If you live in one of the high-risk areas or have concerns about your home environment, ask your doctor to test your child for lead exposure.
Test Your Home: Have your home tested for lead, especially if it was built before 1978. Focus on areas with peeling or chipped paint.
Reduce Exposure: Clean floors, windowsills, and other surfaces regularly with a damp cloth or damp paper towel to reduce lead dust. Avoid letting children play in bare soil and wash their hands and toys frequently.
A balanced diet with foods that provide calcium, iron, and vitamin C may help keep lead out of the body.
For more information on lead testing and prevention, see the Department of Health and Human Services website at https:// leadsafe.ne.gov/ or contact us at the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department. 402-3752200.
