Officials from the Marshall County Health Department encourage all children younger than the age of 7 to be screened for lead exposure.
This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Beginning January 1, 2023, House Enrolled Act 1313 requires that all Indiana healthcare providers determine whether children age 6 and younger have been tested for lead poisoning and to offer screenings.
Through August 2023, there has been a 21 percent increase in unique children tested compared to the same period in 2022, and a 393 percent overall increase in confirmed cases of elevated blood lead levels. As a result, 82 percent more children are receiving resources and support from lead case managers than in all of 2022.
According to information from the Marshall County Health Department, data shows that no amount of lead in the blood is safe, and children aged 6 and younger are most vulnerable to the effect of lead exposure because their bodies use the toxic lead in brain and bone development. Lead dust often originates from deteriorated lead-based paint in older homes, but lead can occur naturally in soil and can be found in drinking water fed through lead pipes. Signs of lead exposure can include damage to the brain and nervous system, learning and behavior problems, developmental delays and hearing and speech problems.
Call the Marshall County Health Department to schedule a lead screening appointment at 574-935-8565.
