Does Your Child Need a Lead Test?

Paint, water, and soil can have lead in them. If children get too much lead in their body, they can get lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is very dangerous. It can cause:

• Slow growth

• Learning and hearing problems

• Brain damage 

Some of these symptoms can be permanent. Your child could seem fine but have too much lead in his or her body. The only way to know is to get a blood test. You and your child's doctor can treat your child before the lead hurts your child.

Check with your child's doctor

Ask your child's doctor if your child needs a blood test for lead. Children at risk should have a blood test at age 1 year and 2 years. Some children may need more blood tests after the first test. Your doctor will tell you if your child needs more testing.

The doctor will ask you some questions to find out if your child is at risk for lead poisoning. Your child may be at risk if:

• He or she lives in or often visits a house that has lead paint. Houses built before 1978 can have lead paint.

• He or she has brothers, sisters, or playmates who have lead poisoning

• You or another adult who lives in your home has a job that involves working with lead

To learn more

There are many things you can do to protect your child from lead poisoning. Call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (1-800-424-5323) for free information. You can also visit the center's Web site at http://epa.gov/oppt/lead/index.html .

If you need help finding a Keystone Mercy doctor or making an appointment, please call Member Services at 1-800-521-6860. You can also go to Keystone Mercy’s provider directory to find a doctor.