Testing for Lead Poisoning
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend doctors and parents follow the recommendations of their state or local health department when it comes to testing. f your area doesn’t have any specific lead testing recommendations, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends your child be tested for lead levels at ages 1 and 2. Your doctor may also suggest lead screening if your child is older, but hasn’t yet been screened for lead.
Doctors usually use a simple blood test to detect lead poisoning. A small blood sample is taken from a finger prick or from a vein. Lead levels in the blood are measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). A level of 5 mcg/dL or higher indicates your child may have unsafe levels of lead in their blood and should have their blood tested periodically. If levels become too high — generally 45 mcg/dL or higher — your child should be treated.
Prevention
Ideally, the first step is to remove the source of contamination (0r potential contamination). Professionally replacing old plumbing and lead paint, and in the case of Flint, Michigan, changing the water source. In Flint, residents are currently being advised to use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula, and certified filters.
As a general practice, the following tips from the Mayo Clinic may also help protect you and your family from lead poisoning:
- Wash hands and toys. To help reduce hand-to-mouth transfer of contaminated dust or soil, wash your children’s hands after outdoor play, before eating and at bedtime. And wash their toys regularly.
- Clean dusty surfaces. Clean your floors with a wet mop and wipe furniture, windowsills and other dusty surfaces with a damp cloth.
- Run cold water. If you have older plumbing containing lead pipes or fittings, run your cold water for at least a minute before using. Don’t use hot tap water to make baby formula or for cooking.
- Prevent children from playing on soil. Provide them with a sandbox that’s covered when not in use. Plant grass or cover bare soil with mulch.
- Eat a healthy diet. Regular meals and good nutrition may help lower lead absorption. Children especially need enough calcium and iron in their diets.
What’s the Solution?
The problems arose after the city broke away from Detroit’s water system in 2014 and began taking water from the Flint River to save money.
Please make sure to follow your city’s department of water, their resolutions, and if their are any plans to divert the original source of water All of those factor into your quality of water.
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