National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is Oct. 19-25 and shines a spotlight on the dangers of lead exposure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half a million children between the ages of 1 and 5 have high levels of lead in their blood. In Nevada, only 3 percent of children are tested each year, leaving many cases undetected.
Lead poisoning is extremely harmful because it can damage almost every system in the body. The central nervous system, heart and kidneys are most at risk. Children who are exposed may experience lower IQ, slower growth, learning and behavior problems, attention difficulties, and struggles in school. Kids 6 years old and younger face the greatest risk because their bodies are still developing and they often place their hands or objects in their mouths that could carry lead dust. The danger is even greater because lead poisoning usually shows no clear signs until the damage has already occurred…