Children living in poverty or who live in housing built before 1950 face higher risk of lead exposure, according to a new study from the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics.
Lead poisoning can be harmful for both children and adults. Children under six have the highest risk, because their bodies are still developing. Registered nurse Annette Greer, of the Jackson County Health Department said young children who may put things in their mouth are at highest risk, but older children can still be exposed.
"The majority of cases that are in contact with lead in Illinois actually come from lead paint, which can occur in older homes, so that's where the majority of lead comes from," she said. "That can also leech into soil, so any kid that happens to be just outside playing and gets dirt on their hand and somehow touched it to their face, mouth, and just happened to ingest it that way."
Adults may also come into contact with lead due to jobs or hobbies like construction, plumbing, jewelry making or even fishing, if using leaded weights.
Illinois law requires all children under six be screened to see if they are at risk and require a blood test. To find out more about getting a lead test for yourself or your child, contact your local health department.
