July 19 th 2010

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

 Children <6yo  Rapid growth  Absorption of more lead  Poverty  Minority groups  Especially immigrants  Occupationally exposed parents  Old house

 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

 Learning disabilities  Decreased growth  Hyperactivity  Impaired hearing  Even brain damage

 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

 LCLPPP  Louisiana Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program  Identifies increased levels  Care Coordination  Environmental Inspection  Community and Professional Education  Handouts, Links, Prevention Plan, etc.

 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