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?
  
• Has 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?
  

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