Health Corner

You have read the articles. You have done the research. Let’s see what you know.

Give these true or false questions about childhood lead poisoning a try!

Questions:

1. All children should have their blood lead level checked at 12 months and 24 months old?

2. If your home was built before 1978 there is increased likelihood that lead paint was used?

3. A child must ingest or eat lead paint chips to develop lead poisoning?

4. One of the most common places a child is exposed to lead is at home?

5. Lead poisoning has very obvious signs and symptoms?

6. A diet rich with iron and calcium containing foods can help decrease the blood lead level in a child?

7. An “At Home” test kit is reliable for lead testing?

8. Children who frequently put things in their mouths are at risk for lead poisoning?

Answers:

1. True. Your child’s doctor will do a blood lead test during routine child check ups at 12 and 24 months of age.

2. True. The use of lead based paint in homes was banned in 1978.

3. False. Lead paint chips are a common exposure, however lead can be found in many spices, home health remedies or cosmetics, and toys or hobby items.

4. True. Home is where children spend much of their time and more frequently exposed to lead if it is present.

5. False. Most children do not look “sick” if they have lead poisoning. They are more likely to show behavioral problems, speech and language delays or vague symptoms like a belly ache or being tired/fatigued.

6. True. The iron and calcium in foods helps to bind to the lead in the body and assist in excreating it.

7. False. At home kits may be helpful, however, a certified lead inspector is able to test items in detail and send samples to a lab for verified testing.

8. True. Frequent hand washing, especially before meals, is very important to wash off lead contaminants that a child has gotten on their hands from items, toys, or outside.