State To Test For Lead Poisoning

Thu., Aug. 19, 1999

From Staff

The state is planning a survey to try to determine the extent of lead poisoning in Washington’s children.

“We currently have no estimate that tells us how prevalent lead poisoning is among young children,” said Dr. Maxine Hayes, acting state health officer. “The statewide survey will give us that estimate and help determine the need for further blood-lead screening or prevention activities.”

This month and next, more than 600 randomly selected children will be surveyed and tested for lead exposure. The survey will focus on 1- and 2-year-olds.

If a child’s blood-lead level is high, an investigation will be done to find the source of the exposure.

The blood tests will be done in the children’s homes.

At low levels of exposure, lead poisoning has no obvious symptoms. But long-term exposure can cause learning disabilities, mental retardation and delayed physical and neurological development, the state Health Department said in a news release.

The children most at risk are those who live in older housing with peeling, chipping or chalking paint, or where renovation or remodeling is taking place.

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