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Guidance on Screening Children for Elevated Blood Lead
Blood lead screening should be considered for all children at
age six months to one year, and older children who have not been
screened before. Several risk factors which make such screening
more of a necessity are discussed below.
- Any child under six years of age
should be screened if there is a sibling or frequent
playmate with elevated blood lead.
- Children in low-income families
have relatively high risks for elevated blood lead, as well
as other health problems. Parents and health care providers
should try to make sure that all children eligible for
Medicaid are enrolled in the Texas Health Steps Program.
Blood lead screening is included in that program.
- Residence in or frequent visits to
older homes are also common risk factors for elevated blood
lead. In the U.S. lead was not banned from paints used for
homes until 1978. The earlier a home was built before 1978
the more likely it contains leaded paint. Homes built before
1950 are almost certain to contain leaded paint. Exposure to
lead in such paint is more likely if it is in deteriorated
condition (peeling, chipping, etc.) Remodeling/renovation
also increases risks of lead exposure.
- In this area some Hispanic
residents may engage in practices which can result in
elevated blood lead, particularly the use of some folk
medicines (e.g. greta, azarcon) and cooking in clay pottery
from Mexico.
During 1992-2002 the Health District received reports of
elevated blood lead for more than 1,800 children. Over 80%
were Galveston residents and about 10% were Texas City
residents. Relatively large fractions of the homes in Zip
Codes 77550, 77551, and 77590 were built before 1950.
All young children residing in these areas should be
screened for elevated blood lead. A Texas Department of
State Health Services
publication entitled Detection
and Management of Childhood Lead Poisoning, Guidelines for Physicians and Health
Care Providers is a good reference on blood lead screening and other aspects of
lead poisoning prevention (DSHS Literature, 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756 -
stock #1-306).
The Texas Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
currently recommends that all children be screened for elevated
blood lead at ages 12 months and 24 months. Elevated blood lead
(10 mcg/dL or greater) is a reportable condition in Texas.
Health care providers who need to report cases should contact
the Health District Epidemiology Department at (409) 938-2322.
The Health District Pollution Control Division
(409) 938-2251 can be consulted in regard to
environmental assessment.
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