Have your children screened for lead poisoning

To increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention, McHenry County Department of Health is participating in National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 19-25, as part of a program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,

This year's theme, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future," underscores the importance of testing your home, your child, and learning how to prevent lead poisoning's serious health effects. The CDC provides a fact sheet for parents to learn more about lead screening at www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/lead_levels_in_children_fact_sheet.pdf.

Lead screening is part of a required school health examination. The health department provides assessment of lead risk and lead testing for children ages 6 months to 7 years of age along with educational materials and case management.

According to the CDC, Illinois had 2,110 children with a lead level of greater than 10 micrograms per deciliter in 2012 and 13,445 children with a lead level of less than or equal to 5 micrograms per deciliter.

During this same period, the McHenry County Department of Health tested 2,406 children and eight had a blood level of greater than 10 micrograms per deciliter. Call MCDH at (815) 334-4500 to make an appointment for your child's lead screening.

Parents can take steps to reduce a child's exposure to lead and protect their family.

Get your home tested. Ask for a lead inspection before you buy or remodel a home built before 1978; renters should ask a potential landlord for a lead report.

Get your child screened, even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor about a lead risk assessment to determine possible lead exposure. A blood lead test may be performed if your child is determined to be at risk. CDC recommends screening children younger than 6 years of age (preferably by ages 1 and 2).

Illinois Department of Public Health has helpful information about preventing lead poisoning in your home, www.idph.state.il.us/pub_home.html.

Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. According to the CDC, even low levels of lead in the blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. Lead can be found in a variety of sources, including water pumped through contaminated pipes, lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust in older buildings, imported clay pots and certain consumer products such as toys, candies, makeup and jewelry.

Get the latest news from McHenry County Health Department at www.mcdh.info, on Facebook and Twitter.