(WSIL) -- The 九游体育 7 Health Department encourages parents to get their children tested for lead. According to the department, approximately 100,000 Illinois children, age 6 years and younger, have blood lead levels that exceed acceptable standards.
October is not only Children's Health Month, but the week of October 20 - 26th is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. In recognition of that distinction, the S7HD encourages parents to talk to their children's health care provider about the screening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, lead can harm a child's brain, kidneys and stomach, as well as slow development. Shawnna Rhine is the Community Outreach Coordinator for S7HD. She says, all children are at risk, "especially those who live in or regularly visit a home that has point original to 1978 or prior."
Rhine also said that women who plan to get pregnant should also be tested.
The CDC lists several preventative measures when dealing with lead. The CDC suggests washing your child's hands before they eat. Do not store food in open cans or pottery. If you work with lead, shower or change your clothes when you're finished. You should also wash those clothes separately from others. If you're removing lead, you should wear protective clothing and gloves, even a face mask, while doing the cleanup. Then again, wash those clothes separately.
Blood testing for lead can be done through S7HD. It's also available on the IDPH Wellness on Wheels Van and all public health clinics. You can contact S7HD at: 618-634-2276
