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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Free blood-lead screening offered for Silver Valley children

From staff reports

The Panhandle Health District will offer free blood lead screening for Silver Valley children starting Monday at Shoshone Medical Center, 25 Jacobs Gulch Road, Kellogg.

The testing runs from 9 a.m to 6 p.m daily through July 29, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 30.

The testing is for children under 18 and pregnant women. Families will receive a $30 incentive for testing children between 6 months and 6 years old. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Lead exposure in the Silver Valley most often occurs during the summer months, when outdoor recreation is common in the historic mining district. Increased blood lead levels can develop with no obvious or immediate symptoms, causing lead exposure to go unnoticed.

Elevated blood can cause behavior and learning problems in children, lower IQ levels, hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems and anemia.

For more information, contact the Panhandle Health District, (208) 783-0707.