Southern 7 Health Department encourages blood lead screenings

ILLINOIS (KBSI) – The Southern Seven Health Department is encouraging blood lead screenings for children.

Even a small amount of lead can harm a child’s brain, kidneys, and stomach, as well as slow development and cause learning and behavior problems.

Around 100,000 Illinois children aged 6 years and younger have blood lead levels that are too high.

Women planning to have a baby should also be tested for lead. Lead in a mother’s body can cause a baby to be born too small and too early.

The best way to prevent lead poisoning is to get the lead out.

Steps to take include:

• Wash your child’s hands before they eat.
• Foods high in Vitamin C, iron, and calcium, such as meat eggs, raisins, greens, mild, cheese, fruits and potatoes,
  help get the lead out of a child’s system.
• Wash your child’s toys often and throw away lead-painted toys.
• Do not store food in open cans or pottery.
• If you work with lead, shower and change clothes before coming home. Wash your work clothes separately.
• Run cold water for a few minutes before using it for cooking and drinking. Do not use water from the hot water
  tap for cooking, drinking or making formula.
• Wear protective clothing, including gloves and a facemask to clean up chipping and peeling paint inside and
  outside your home. Wash all clothing separately.

Southern 7 Health Department encourages all parents to talk to their pediatrician about blood lead screening.

Testing for blood lead is available through Southern 7 Health Department on both the IDPH Wellness and on Wheels (WOW).