Warren County
Childhood Lead Poisoning & Prevention Program  

Need more information about lead based paint or lead poisoning and prevention?

Call Warren County Health Services
515-961-1074

Warren County Health Services is proud to announce its
Certified Risk Assessor/Lead Inspector:

Jodene DeVault RN, BSN
Warren County Health Services Administrator

The Who, What, When and Where of Childhood
Lead Poisoning and Prevention 

WHO is at risk for Lead Poisoning?

All children under the age of 6 years old are at risk of lead poisoning as there is no known safe level of lead.

Children absorb lead faster than adults do and lead affects a child’s rapidly developing brain.

Children who are lead poisoned can suffer from:

• Headaches
• Hearing problems
• Slowed growth
• Behavior problems
• Learning problems or delays
• Damage to the brain and/or nervous system
• High doses of lead can cause convulsions and even death

Your child may be at risk for lead poisoning if :

• Your house was built before 1960
• Your home has peeling or chipped paint
• Your child regularly visits a home built before 1960 that has peeling or chipped paint
• Your home is being remodeled or renovated
• Your child has a brother or sister or playmate that has been lead poisoned
• Your child lives with an adult who works with lead
• Your child lives near a battery plant or lead smelter
• Your house contains lead pipes
• Your child takes folk remedies or eats candy that comes from Mexico
• Your child has lived outside of the United States for longer than 2 months

WHAT can I do to protect my child?

Make sure your child is tested for lead poisoning. (Has Your Child Been Tested Brochure)

• Set up play areas away from chipped or peeling paint.
• Always have your child wash their hands before eating.
• Feed your child foods that contain calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
• Wash your child’s pacifier and toys often.
• Leave your shoes at the door- don’t let dirt and dust get tracked into the house.
• Wet mop floors and windowsills regularly.
• Repair peeling and chipped paint. KNOW HOW TO DO THIS SAFELY. (See websites listed below)

WHEN should my child be tested for Lead Poisoning?

All children should receive a blood lead test at 12 and 24 months of age.

If your child was not tested at 12 or 24 months of age they should have a lead test.

Assess your child’s risk for lead poisoning annually until they are 6 years of age.

Iowa children are required to have proof of blood lead testing when registering for kindergarten. (Parents QA)

WHERE can I get my child tested for Lead Poisoning?

Ask your health care provider about getting a blood lead test for your child. Most insurance and Medicaid will pay for blood lead tests.

If you do not have a health care provider or are unable to pay for a blood lead test, contact: Stacy Jobes RN BSN, Warren County Health Services Lead Poisoning & Prevention Program Manager at 961-1074.

Related Links:

Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/lead/

National Lead Information Center
www.epa.gov/lead/nlic.htm

Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/lead/

Iowa Department of Public Health- Lead Poisoning Prevention
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/lead_poisoning_prevention.as