Advertisement Damage to children caused by lead poisoning is permanent damage. A child’s blood lead level will decrease after exposure ends, but the learning and behavior problems the child experiences are permanent changes.
A nutritious diet containing foods high in iron and calcium will help to prevent a child from absorbing lead in their environment. Hand-washing before eating and napping also can help prevent a child from absorbing lead in their environment.
Children should have a blood test at ages 1 and 2 to screen for childhood lead poisoning. Eighteen to 36 months is the age at which lead levels tend to be the highest because of frequent hand-to-mouth contact. Most children are not tested, but they should be.
Have your child checked at the doctor’s office, or take advantage of free screenings offered by the La Crosse County Health Department’s public health nursing or WIC office. For more information or to make an appointment, call (608) 785-9872.
Source: La Crosse County Health Department Project LEAD
