BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — During this year’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is trying to raise awareness about lead poisoning and how to prevent it.

The week runs from October 20-26, and this year’s theme is “Bright futures begin lead-free.” Lead poisoning is preventable, and prevention starts with screening.

Get the Facts

Young children are at highest risk of lead poisoning, and children under six years are more vulnerable to its effects.

Lead-based paint can be found in older buildings. Over 50% of houses in North Dakota were built before 1978, the year the paint was banned. It has a sweet flavor, and children can be exposed to it through peeling or damaged paint, by paint dust, or by chewing on surfaces coated with the paint.

Other common sources of lead in the environment include contaminated soil, drinking water from lead pipes and plumbing, some imported spices, some foreign-made products, and artificial turf and playgrounds made from some recycled materials. People may accidentally bring lead from these sources into their homes after outdoor activities.

Get Your Child Tested

Blood lead screening is required for all children enrolled in North Dakota Medicaid at ages 12 and 24 months. Additionally, any child between two and five years old with no record of a previous blood lead screening test must receive one. Screening is included in Medicaid Health Tracks/Well-Child visits.

Lead screening can detect exposure early, preventing lifelong harmful effects. A child with lead poisoning may look and act healthy with no obvious symptoms, but even at low levels, lead exposure can cause neurological damage, leading to learning issues, behavioral problems and lowered IQ.

There are two types of blood lead tests: capillary and venous. A capillary test uses a small blood sample from a finger or heel prick, and gives fast results. However, if there is lead on the child’s hands, this test might show higher levels, in which case a venous test can confirm the results by taking a small blood sample from the child’s arm.

For details on testing, visit www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/testing/index.html .

Prevent Lead Exposure

Ways to limit lead exposure include frequent handwashing, washing children’s toys often, keeping homes clean and dust free, using cold water for cooking and drinking, eating a diet high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C, and hiring certified lead professionals when doing home renovations or repairs. For more information on lead exposure and prevention, visit hhs.nd.gov/health/lead .

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