You cannot look at a child and tell if they are lead poisoned or not. The only way to know for sure is through a blood lead test. Lead exposure can affect your child's future health, learning abilities and other areas of their lives as they grow. A simple finger poke can determine if your child has been exposed to lead.
Two free lead testing clinic dates have been set up at the Jackson County Health Department to assist parents in having their children screened for lead. An appointment is needed for your child's lead test and you will get their results and education before you leave. In addition, you will also receive any referrals for additional testing at the same time.
Clinic dates and times are as follows.
Wednesday, August 3rd, from 10:15 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday, August 10th, from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
No Appointments will be scheduled between 12 Noon - 1:00 pm.
Symptoms of lead poisoning can be silent—and hard to recognize. Preventing lead poisoning before it happens is the best way to keep your family safe. Take this quiz to see if your child may be at risk: These questions will determine if there is a risk of exposure.
- Does your child currently live in a home built before 1950 or have they lived in a home built before 1950 in the recent past?
- Do they spend time at or often visit a home built before 1950?
- Does your child currently live in a home built before 1978 that was recently remodeled?
- Have they lived in or often visited a home built before 1978 that was recently remodeled?
- Does your child have a brother, sister or playmate with lead poisoning?
- Does your child live with an adult whose job or hobby involves lead?
- Do you or your child’s caregiver use home remedies that may contain lead?
If you answered NO to all of these questions, your child is probably not at risk for lead poisoning.
If you answered YES or DON’T KNOW to any of these questions, call (517) 768-2123 about testing your child for lead poisoning.
Download the flyer for yourself or give it to a friend who has a young child.
