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Lead Screening

Should my child be screened for lead?

Of all the health problems caused by the environment, lead poisoning is the most preventable. Despite this, almost 1 million children in the United States have elevated levels of lead in their blood.

If you can answer "yes" to any of the following questions, especially numbers 1, 2, and 3, your child may need to be screened for lead. Talk to your pediatrician about lead screening for your child.

  1. Does your child live in or regularly visit a house that was built before 1950, including a home child care center or the home of a relative?
  2. Does your child live in or regularly visit a house built before 1978 that has been remodeled in the last 6 months? Are there any plans to remodel?
  3. Does your child have a brother, sister, housemate, or playmate who is being treated for lead poisoning?
  4. Does your child live with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to lead?
  5. Does your child live near an active lead smelter, battery-recycling plant, or other industry likely to release lead into the environment?
  6. Does your child live within 1 block of a major highway or busy street?
  7. Has your child ever been given home remedies such as azarcon, greta, or pay looah?
  8. Has your child ever lived outside the United States?
  9. Does your family use pottery or ceramics for cooking, eating, or drinking?
  10. Have you seen your child eat paint chips?
  11. Have you seen your child eat soil or dirt?
  12. Have you been told your child has low iron?

Remember

Most young children put things other than food into their mouths. They chew on toys, taste the sand at the park, and eat cat food if given the chance. This rarely causes any harm, as long as poisons, small items that children can choke on, and sharp objects are kept out of reach. Lead, however, can be very dangerous to children. Lead poisoning can cause developmental delay, hearing loss, seizures and coma, kidney problems, anemia, and growth problems. Talk with your child's pediatrician about getting a blood test, especially if your child is younger than 3 years.

 

Published online: 2/07
Source: Lead Screening for Children (Copyright © 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics)

Healthcare professionals may order this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP Bookstore.

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The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

 



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