National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 25 – 31, 2020 and is aimed to reduce childhood exposure to lead. Lead is a well-known hazard to children and cannot be seen with the naked eye and has no smell. Children can often be exposed by lead through lead-based paint, certain water pipes, soil, and consumer products like toys.
 

Children younger than 6 are especially at risk for lead poisoning because their bodies are still developing and are growing rapidly. Children in this age group often tend to put their hands and other objects in their mouth which can be contaminated with lead.

Because children with lead poisoning do not look sick, the only way to know if they have been exposed to lead is to have them get tested. The Shiawassee County Health Department can test a child for lead poisoning and will also work with the child’s healthcare provider for follow-up and treatment.