An invisible disease creeps beneath paint and soil within some houses and could be affecting loved ones. It’s called lead poisoning.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, lead is a natural metal that is unsafe at any level in the body. Too much lead in the body leads to lead poisoning. Although anyone can get lead poisoning, it’s most commonly found in small children between the ages of six months and six years old.
“Children between six months and six years old need to be screened for lead poisoning,” Sally O’ Donnell, clinical director at School Health Link, said. “They have a lot of hand-mouth activity which puts them at a much higher risk.”
Playing around window sills, walls with chipping paint and outside in the dirt are prime locations for children to be exposed to lead. Hand contamination is also a good reason to make sure kids are constantly washing their hands after playing.
“Lead poisoning affects the child’s ability to learn,” O’ Donnell added. “That’s why it’s so important to have younger children tested.”
The cities of Rock Island and Moline have a three year grant assisting houses and families who are affected by lead poisoning. This $1.3 million grant expires in October, however. Houses that are the most at risk are ones that were built before 1978.
“Families should have their kids tested this summer, before school starts,” O’ Donnell said. “If their house was the reason for lead poisoning, the city will take care of it thanks to the grant.”
Programs like School Health Link, Project Now and the Rock Island County Health Department all provide lead screenings and house inspections through the grant. It helps to replace windows, walls and restore houses that are contaminated with lead. Nearly 140 houses have been helped in Rock Island and Moline by the grant.
“Depending on the severity of the lead contamination families may need to move out for a couple days,” O’Donnell said. “The city pays for the hotel stay that families may need to use.”
Although lead poisoning is most commonly found in young children, adults are also at risk. Drinking water, food and medicine from foreign countries have also been sources of lead exposure. Houses with chipping paint are also at large risk. Lead poisoning causes brain cell deterioration and nerve damage, making it important to get tested.
The Illinois Department of Public Health says the only way to diagnose lead poisoning is with a blood test. For more information on lead poisoning and how to get assessed, contact a family physician or the School Health Link at (309)732-0958 in Rock Island or (309) 792-6360 at their Silvis location.
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