Silver Valley blood-lead levels decreasing

Superfund Straight Talk responds to questions from citizens living in Idaho’s Silver Valley or the larger Coeur d’Alene Basin. Q: What are the results of Panhandle Health District’s 2011 children’s blood lead screening in the Superfund site? A: Great news! Children’s blood lead testing shows decreasing blood lead levels. Eighty-nine children living in the Superfund site (Coeur d’Alene River Basin between Mullan and north of Harrison) had a free blood lead test from the Kellogg Panhandle Health District (PHD). The program identified one child with a blood lead over 10 micrograms per deciliter. Through the late 1980s and 1990s, between 14-56 percent of children living in the Superfund area who were tested each year had elevated blood lead levels. Soil remediation, national efforts, and simple prevention methods have helped reduce children’s blood lead levels over time. Since 1987, over 6,000 properties (which had high amounts of lead in soils) have been remediated. In addition, national programs aimed at reducing lead in the environment, as well as changes in consumer products like paint and gasoline, have helped reduce national blood lead levels. The CDC recommends that families have a lead-prevention consultation to find ways to reduce lead exposure if a child has a blood lead over 10 micrograms per deciliter. The Kellogg PHD offers this service privately to families. Many lead-prevention methods are available. Local information is here . Q: Why is this program offered? A: The program is a part of the state’s commitment to support human health remedies in the Superfund site. This is why the program caters to kids living in the Coeur d’Alene River Basin and is not a statewide program. DEQ provides this blood lead testing program as a free public health service. The service has been provided since 1988. Kellogg PHD continues to operate the program. Idaho’s statewide program is offered by Health and Welfare through Medicaid (208-364-1835). Family physicians are also a primary contact for lead screening and consultation. Q: How will I know when the PHD will offer free blood lead testing? A: A detailed invitation is sent to each address in the CDA River Basin each year. You could also watch for a flier to come home from your child’s Silver Valley area elementary school, or catch the ads in regional newspapers and on local radio. You can also call Kellogg PHD directly at 208-783-0707. There is no fee for blood lead testing. Testing for children is offered over about a four-week period in various locations each July. National rules regarding the security and privacy of handling health data apply.