What is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning is too much lead in the body. Lead is especially harmful to the small bodies of children younger than 6 years of age. Many children throughout the United States are exposed to lead. Lead is a toxic chemical; no safe level of lead in the body has been determined. Case Management Services are offered at 3.5 ug/dL to all children (through the age of 15 years) and pregnant persons who are residents within DeKalb County.
What can I do to protect my child from lead exposure?
The only way to prevent damage from lead is to prevent exposure to lead. Learn if you have lead in your home. If your home was built before 1978 or you do not know when your home was built, assume it has lead. Before you sign a lease, ask the landlord about lead. Before you buy a home, have it inspected for lead. Lead gets into dust and dirt. Children eat lead by getting it on their hands and toys and then putting them in their mouths. Wash your children’s hands before they eat. Damp clean all horizontal surfaces often including floors and window sills.
Lead Testing Services
Please contact us at 815-748-2467 to make an appointment for lead testing.
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead
Foreign Products Which May Contain Lead
IDPH Lead Poisoning Prevention
Identifying Filters Certified to Reduce Lead in Drinkng Water
Keep Your Kids Safe and Get Them Tested for Lead
Lead Cleaning Checklist En Español
Recalls and Product Safety Warnings
Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
Steps to Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting