MORNING REPORTJuly 19th 2010

Why are lead levels important?

250,000 US children aged 1-5 years have a lead level >10

Where do I find information?

At risk

Children <6yo Rapid growth Absorption of more

lead Poverty Minority groups

Especially immigrants Occupationally

exposed parents Old house

Symptoms

Children with lead poisoning often have no symptoms

A child can be poisoned and show no outward signs

Symptoms: diarrhea, stomach cramps, lethargy, headache, clumsiness, agitation, vomiting, or seizures in some severe cases

Toxic Effects

Learning disabilities Decreased growth Hyperactivity Impaired hearing Even brain damage

Testing

Children at ages 1 and 2 years of age Children between 3 and 6 years of age if

not previously tested. Children or other family members who

have been exposed to high levels of lead Blood lead measurement

Not x rays Not hair samples

LA Dept of Health

LCLPPP Louisiana Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Program Identifies increased levels Care Coordination Environmental Inspection Community and Professional Education

Handouts, Links, Prevention Plan, etc.

Treatment

Involve specialists Pediatrician Poison control AAP Executive committee

>45 Succimer

“rotten egg” smell, abd distress, transient rash, increased liver enzymes, neutropenia

>70 or allergic to succimer EDTA and hospitalize