Panhandle Health District release:

Today, Panhandle Health District (PHD) released the 2015 blood lead survey results. Results show that blood lead levels continue to decrease in the Silver Valley. PHD’s Lead Health Intervention Program (LHIP) screens for lead poisoning in children. Those living in northern Idaho’s Silver Valley are vulnerable to lead poisoning, in part due to the presence of heavy metals left over from past mining practices. A cleanup is under way and much progress has been made, but risks still exist in the area. Screening is offered to children between 6 months through 9 years of age in the Box (Pinehurst, Smelterville, Kellogg, Wardner, & Elizabeth Park) and 6 months through 6 years of age in the Coeur d’Alene River Basin areas of the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. 100 children in the Box and Basin were voluntarily tested. Of those, 6 children tested above the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommended reference value of 5 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL). Children who test over 5 μg/dL are offered free consultations and follow-up testing. More here.