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One out of every seven children suffers from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can cause many problems for children such as:
- Learning disabilities
- Developmental problems (hearing and growth)
- Low IQ
- Nerve problems
- Slower reflexes
- Kidney problems
- Even brain damage
Lead poisoning occurs when children are exposed to too much lead. This usually happens in homes built prior to 1950, because of lead-based paint that is in bad condition. Some ways in which lead poisoning can strike:
- Eating lead-based paint chips
- Chewing on surfaces with lead-based paint (such as window sills and stair railings)
- Putting dirty hands, toys, bottles or pacifiers in their mouths after falling on the floor or touching painted surfaces
- Playing in dirt or sand near an old building or where an old building has been torn down
- Breathing in dust from lead-based paint (that is being scraped, sanded, etc.)
- Playing in areas near windows or where there are paint chips or paint chipping
Many children who are lead poisoned show no symptoms and therefore a lead poisoning screening is the only way to detect lead poisoning. It is very important to get this treated before it is too late,? said Vicki Nolton, coordinator of the Mother/Child Wellness Program.
If lead hazards are found, it is important not to panic. Do not scrape, sand or remove any paint, walls, or plaster until you know how to do it safely. Have all children under the age of six years tested for lead poisoning.
Here are some tips to protect your children from lead poisoning.
- Supervise them very carefully
- Do not allow them to chew on painted surfaces such as windowsills, stair rails, furniture, or toys, don’t let them eat paint chips or soil
- Keep children away from areas in your home where there is chipping or peeling paint
- Make sure that all floors that children play on are clean by vacuuming carpets weekly, and washing wood and painted surfaces with a good household soap or cleanser
- Be sure that your children eat a well-balanced diet, especially foods high in calcium and iron (such as dairy products and meat)
- Wash all toys, pacifiers and bottles that your child drops on the floor
- Wash your child’s hands often, especially before he/she eats
- Pick up any paint chips that you find and dispose of them properly
If you would like to have your child screened for lead poisoning and live in Poweshiek County, e-mail or call Vicki Nolton, coordinator of the Mother-Child Wellness Program at 641-236-2385. In Jasper County, call Jean Ferguson, child health nurse, at 641-792-5086 and in Mahaska County, call Wendy Stuhr, child health nurse, at 641-672-3257. There is little if any cost for a lead screening, so schedule a lead screening for your child today. Stop lead poisoning before it starts.
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