Childhood Lead Blood Testing Clinic
JACKSON COUNTY, MI (July 15) – Childhood lead poisoning prevention is a serious environmental health concern for young children and is entirely preventable. In an effort to assist parents in having their children tested for blood lead, the Jackson County Health Department has scheduled two FREE separate blood lead clinics. An appointment is needed for your child’s blood lead test and you will get their results and information before you leave. In addition, you will also receive a referral for confirmatory testing if needed. These tests can only provide information on recent or chronic (ongoing) exposure.
Clinic dates and times are as follows.
Wednesday, August 3rd, from 10:15 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, August 10th, from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
No appointments will be scheduled between 12 Noon – 1:00 pm.
Lead poisoning is a serious problem for infants and children under the age of six as it could affect children for the rest of their lives. Problems may include issues such as:
- Learning problems
- Hearing or vision problems
- Coordination and fine motor skill problems
- Poor muscle and bone growth
- Hyperactivity
Finding the source of the lead is also important. If caught early, these problems can be reduced by decreasing exposure to lead and working with the family to ensure the affected child is eating a good diet with plenty of Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium. If an elevated lead is detected, assistance can be provided such as nutrition education, proper cleaning techniques and applying to the state for a home inspection for those who qualify.
At the Jackson County Health Department, we continue to increase community awareness around the hazards of lead in order to increase testing of children at risk for lead poisoning. The goal is to reduce the incidence of lead poisoning among young children, especially those living in areas with a higher risk of lead exposure such as older homes.
“In our community, we need to continue to identify and eliminate the possible environmental routes of lead exposure through housing, water, and soil. Our primary route of exposure continues to be lead-based paint dust and chips in our housing”, stated Kristin Pluta, Health Officer.
The only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead is to have your child tested. For more information on testing, contact your child’s doctor or the Jackson County Health Department. If you are interested in having your home inspected for lead, please see the following website for more information on the Michigan Lead Safe Home Program. The website address is https://www.michigan.gov/mileadsafe.
Parents can reduce a child’s exposure to lead in many ways. Here are some simple things you can do to help protect your family:
1.Get Your Home Tested. Before you buy an older home, ask for a lead inspection.
2.Get Your Child Tested. Even if your young children seem healthy, ask your doctor to test them for lead. Children six years of age and younger are most at risk due to the stages of change and development their small bodies are going through as they grow.
3.Make sure your child eats a diet rich in Calcium, Vitamin C and Iron to reduce the absorption of lead.
4.Learn About Drinking Water. Water pipes in some older homes may contain solder that contains lead which can leach out into the water. Learn more about lead in drinking water here.
5.Understand the Facts! The Jackson County Health Department can provide you with helpful information about preventing childhood lead poisoning. Contact us at (517) 788-4420 or www.mijackson.org/hd. Information is also posted on the Jackson County Health Department webpage and Facebook.
For more information or to find out more about having your home inspected, contact Rhonda Rudolph, Lead Outreach Health Educator at (517) 768-2131 or rrudolph@mijackson.org.
