Fredericksburg Parent

20 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • February 2024 For children who may be at risk for lead exposure, blood lead testing is an important step in preventing harm from lead poisoning. In addition to living in older homes, other high-risk scenarios for lead exposure include chil- dren who are eligible for or receiving Medicaid or WIC services, refugees or newcomers to the U.S., living with an adult who has a job or hobby that may expose them to lead, living near an active industrial site, or have a sibling or housemate that was recently exposed to lead. Children who fall under any of these categories should be tested at 12 and 24 months. In addi- tion, any child up to age six who is at risk for exposure but has not previously been tested, should be tested. Pediatricians can help parents get a testing order to take to a local lab. The cost is covered by Medicaid and most private insurers. Keeping an eye on lead hazards is critically important for parents of young children. While lead is not safe at any age, children ages 6 and under are at the highest risk for harmful impacts that can have life-long implications, because young bodies absorb lead at a faster rate. Winter's cold days are the perfect time for making cozy family memories indoors. Game nights, lazy days of building forts and block towers or curling up on the couch with a book all sound good when it's wet and icy outside. This season of increased indoor time is a great opportunity to make sure your household habits and routines reduce your family's risk of expo- sure to lead. Lead is toxic to everyone—especially young children. Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but an estimated 38 million permanently occupied housing units, or 40% of American homes, contain some lead paint that was applied before the ban, accord- ing to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development's National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing. Lead paint poses the greatest risk to children when it begins to deterio- rate, creating chips and dust that can be ingested by young children who are more likely to crawl on the floor and put their hands and toys in their mouths. When winter brings more indoor days and less fresh air, those risks may be higher. The good news is, lead poisoning is the most preventable environ- mental disease among young children. This WRITTEN BY EMILY FREEHLING AT RISK? GET TESTED A Message from the Virginia Department of Health WARM, COZY AT RISK? GET TESTED Lead is toxic to everyone— especially young children. Stay WINTER

• Cover