Children under the age of 6 are most at risk from lead poisoning. Babies and small children can swallow or breathe in lead from contaminated dirt, dust, or sand while they play on the ground or floor. Even at low levels of exposure, lead can affect a child’s learning, behavior and growth.
- Check with your health care provider if you think that your child has a risk for lead exposure.
- A simple blood test can determine whether your child has been exposed to lead.
The
Minnesota Department of Health has established the following guidelines for health care providers:
- Child health-care providers should use a blood lead test to screen children at one and two years of age, and children up to six years of age who have not previously been screened if:
- The child lives within the city limits of Minneapolis or St. Paul; or
- The child receives services from Minnesota Care (MnCare), the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or Medical Assistance (MA) - which includes the Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP);
- The child does not fit the criteria above, and the answer to any of the following questions is “Yes” or “Don’t Know":
- During the past six months has the child lived in or regularly visited a home, childcare, or other building built before 1950?
- During the past six months has the child lived in or regularly visited a home, childcare, or other building built before 1978 with recent or ongoing repair, remodeling or damage (such as water damage or chipped paint)?
- Has the child or his/her sibling, playmate, or housemate had an elevated blood lead level?