The blood lead test tells you how much lead is in your child’s blood. 

Lead can harm a child’s growth, behavior and ability to learn. The lower the test result, the better. However, no lead level has been proven safe. 

Lead poisoning occurs when children lick, swallow or breathe in dust from lead paint. Most homes built before 1978 have old lead paint, often under newer paint. If paint peels, cracks, or is worn down, the chips and dust from the old lead paint can spread onto floors, windowsills and all around your home. 

Mining has occurred in a large portion of Missouri. High levels of lead in the air, dust, and soil have been found in areas surrounding mining activity. Mining waste in these areas has been used for driveways, land fill material, and even in children’s play area. 

Other sources of lead include drinking water, jewelry, pottery and occupational exposures brought home. Lead paint, dust and other materials containing lead may get onto children’s hands and into their mouth and swallowed or inhaled. 

Many children have had some contact with lead in old paint, soil, plumbing or other sources. All children under the age of 6 should be screened for lead risk factors at each well child check. If a child is at risk for lead poisoning, he or she should be tested. 

All children under the age of 4 should be provided lead education and offered a test yearly. For children up to age 6, your doctor or nurse should ask you at every well child visit about ways your child may have had contact with lead. Children who have had contact with lead should be tested. Additionally, Federal requirements are to blood lead test all children receiving Medicaid benefits at ages 12-24 months, at a minimum. 

The Barry County Health Department offers a capillary lead screening test for children age 1-5 years old. We also offer lead case management for children with elevated blood lead levels. Through case management we give parents educational and nutritional advice to help lower the child’s levels. 

We work with the parent to ensure that the child is following up with their private physician. Blood testing must be done at regular intervals to ensure that levels are returning to normal limits.

If your child needs a lead screening, please call the Barry County Health Department at 417-847-2114 for more information.

Publisher’s note: This article is courtesy of Barry County Health Department, located at 90 Barry County Drive in Cassville. The Department may be reached at 417-847-2114.