Nebraska parents encouraged to have kids screened for elevated lead blood levels

WAYNE, Nebraska (KCAU) – It’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, and the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department is encouraging families to have their children screened for lead testing.

Health experts advise that all Nebraska children under the age of six be screened annually for lead exposure, especially if they live in or frequent a building constructed before 1978.

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“Elevated blood levels can lead to multiple health issues including developmental delays, speech and hearing issues, damage to the nervous system, et cetera,” epidemiology manager Molly Herman said. “So it is a legitimate health concern.”

Parents are encouraged to help reduce exposure by washing their children’s hands and toys frequently and by cleaning areas that collect high amounts of dust.

“This could be as simple as doing weekly dusting with a wet paper towel or wet cloth, especially in places where there might be old paint chips, like window sills are often a culprit,” Herman said. “Kids like to look out the window and put their fingers in their mouths at certain ages a lot.”

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