Lincoln families can get their young children tested for lead poisoning this Thursday at the Lancaster County Health Department. The “Test and Protect” event will run from 3 to 7 p.m. at the health department at 31st and ‘O’ Street. The event is free and no appointment is needed.
“Lead poisoning is a serious health concern, especially for young children, but it is also preventable. We encourage families to attend our free lead testing event. Testing is the only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead,” says Health Director Kerry Kernen.
Children younger than age six can receive free blood lead screenings and families can also bring in household items like dishes, toys and small furniture to be tested for lead. Kernen says even small amounts of lead in the body can cause lasting damage, including learning difficulties, behavioral problems and slowed growth.
Pregnant women and workers in certain industries are also at higher risk. “The most common sources of childhood lead exposure are lead-based paint found in many homes built before 1978 and lead contaminated dust from paint,” Kernen says. “Lead dust can contaminate the home and get on children’s hands, toys, bottles, and other objects.”
She says water, soil, certain spices, and some cookware can also be sources of exposure to lead.