Lead Poisoning
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends selective screening for lead poisoning. If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions and your child is between 6 months and 5 years, then you should discuss lead screening with your practitioner at your child's next checkup.
- Do you live in an older home that was built before 1978?
- Have your child's siblings or playmates been found to have lead poisoning?
- Do you or your household members participate in a lead-related occupation or hobby (working with lead, solder, or lead containing pigments)?
- Do you live near or frequently visit an area near active lead smelters, battery recycling plants, or other industries likely to result in atmosphere lead release?
- Do you have any old (prior to 1996) inexpensive vinyl mini-blinds that may have been made with lead?
