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Get the Facts on Lead
Silver Spring a High Risk Area
Twanna Shields, Health Educator
Lori Austin-Hansberry, RN Program Coordinator
Get the Facts on Lead
Lead poisoning is a common pediatric health problem caused by lead entering
into the blood stream. Children become lead poisoned when they explore their
environment by putting hands, toys and other objects in their mouths after
coming into contact with a lead source.
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A lead source could be deteriorating
paint, paint chips or dust, but are not limited to these. In Montgomery County
lead can be found throughout the county, however it is most prevalent in the
20910
and 20912 zip code areas of Silver Spring and Takoma Park. Lead affects
literally every system in the body, primarily the central nervous system in
fetuses and small children. Therefore, lead poisoning can be a precursor for
short attention spans, behavioral problems, learning disabilities and decreased
IQ’s in the mildest of cases.
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Why get your child tested
State legislature passed house bill 1138 (HB1138) which requires all
children under 6 years old in high-risk areas of Maryland to be screened. In
Montgomery County these areas are Takoma Park and Silver Spring (20910 and 20912
zip code areas) because the majority of these homes were built prior to 1950
when lead paint was still being used. If a child does not live in a high-risk
area, a screening questionnaire can be used. The bill also states that children
under 6 must be screened for lead poisoning within 30 days after entering a
daycare or childcare facility. A blood test is the only way to
know if your child has lead poisoning. The longer a child is lead poisoned the
more damage it will do. A lead test is a blood test, which can be done either by
fingerstick, or venipuncture (through a vein of the arm). Fingersticks can
become easily contaminated resulting in an incorrect reading. If a blood test is
elevated above 10цg/dl it should be repeated by venipuncture.
An elevated test
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If a child has an elevated blood lead level, another test will be requested
to confirm the results. If the child’s level is still elevated, a nurse and
environmentalist will visit your home to find out where your child is getting
the lead exposure. Instructions will be given on how to fix the lead hazard, as
well as provide health education to address decreasing the lead level in a
lead-poisoned child.
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