Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead exposure can be harmful to anyone, but young children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. Lead can affect a child's developing brain and nervous system and may contribute to learning difficulties, developmental delays, and behavioral problems. There is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood.
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead exposure can occur when old paint deteriorates and creates lead-contaminated paint chips or dust. Lead may also be found in soil, drinking water, certain imported products, toys, pottery, and materials brought home from some jobs or hobbies.
Why is Lead Testing Important?
Most children with elevated blood lead levels do not have obvious symptoms. A blood lead test is the only way to know whether a child has an elevated blood lead level.
Iowa HHS recommends that children be tested early and regularly based on age and risk. At a minimum, Iowa HHS recommends blood lead testing at 1 and 2 years of age, and Iowa requires children to have had at least one blood lead test before entering kindergarten.
Parents and guardians should talk with their child's healthcare provider about lead testing and possible risk factors.
Reduce Your Family's Risk
Families can help reduce lead exposure by:
- Keeping painted surfaces in older homes in good condition.
- Keeping children away from peeling or chipping paint.
- Wet-cleaning floors, windowsills, and other dusty surfaces.
- Washing children's hands and toys frequently.
- Taking appropriate lead-safe precautions when repairing or renovating a home built before 1978.
- Talking with your child's healthcare provider about blood lead testing.
Resources
Mitchell County Public Health
Mitchell County Public Health can provide education and resources regarding lead exposure and lead poisoning prevention.
For local questions or assistance, contact:
Mitchell County Public Health
415 Pleasant Street
Osage, Iowa 50461
Phone: 641-832-3500
Iowa HHS: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Information for families about lead exposure, risk factors, testing, prevention, and lead hazards in older homes.
Iowa HHS Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
For questions regarding childhood lead poisoning, blood lead testing, or Iowa's lead prevention program, contact:
Iowa HHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Toll-Free: 800-972-2026
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Lucas Building
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Iowa HHS: Blood Lead Testing for Parents & Guardians
Explains when children should be tested, how testing works, what parents should do if they don't have a record of testing, and how to understand results.
Blood Lead Testing - Parents & Guardians
Iowa HHS: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Resources
Includes educational materials, videos, lead-safe home information, resources for families, and information about finding Iowa-certified lead professionals.
