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Lead is a toxic metal that originates in the earth’s crust. It is found in many products, including toys, paint, and some foods.
Exposure to lead can affect your children’s mental and physical development. But lead screenings can help you determine whether your kids have been exposed to lead, and if treatment is necessary.
Why Are Infants at Risk for Lead Poisoning?
Babies and children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults. This is for several reasons, including:
- Kids frequently do hand-mouth behaviors.
- Kids spend more time on the floor and ground.
- Kids can absorb lead from their intestines more easily than adults.
- Kids brains are still developing and are more vulnerable to lead damage.
- Kids’ liver detox systems are still developing.
- Kids’ immune systems are still developing.
Lead is commonly found in homes built before 1978. Kids who spend time in older homes may be at high risk for lead poisoning. They may also be at risk if their parents spend lots of time around lead. For these reasons, Maryland began to require kids to be tested for lead poisoning at 1 and 2 years of age in 2016.
What Is Lead Testing for Infants and Children?
Lead screenings are an important part of infant healthcare. This blood test can help you determine if your kids have been exposed to lead.
There are three lead testing methods: finger prick, heel prick, and venous draw.
The finger- and heel-prick tests can produce results within a few minutes. However, results may be less accurate if lead is on the skin.
The venous draw method is more accurate than the other tests. Results usually come back within a few days. Your provider can help you choose the best testing method for your children.
What Are the Benefits of Lead Screenings?
Lead poisoning doesn’t always produce symptoms. Your kids could have lead poisoning and not know it. Screening can confirm whether or not your children have lead in their systems.
Other benefits of this child healthcare screening:
- It can help you find out if lead exposure is ongoing.
- It can make you aware of lead exposure in your home.
- Early detection of lead poisoning, before a child may develop symptoms, allows for early intervention and treatment.
- It can reduce the risk of serious related health problems. Lead exposure can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Exposure to high levels may also cause seizures or death.
Most importantly, lead screenings can help your kids stay happy, healthy, and active.
Finding the source of lead exposure is the first step in treating lead poisoning. Then, you can take steps to remove lead from your children’s environment.
Severe cases of lead poisoning may be treated with medication. Your provider can talk to you more about the benefits of lead screenings for children.
If you think your child has been exposed to lead, JMS can connect you with a provider offering lead testing. Please Contact JMS today at 1-888-524-1999 for more information.