{"id":50029,"date":"2022-03-22T09:30:35","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T13:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=50029"},"modified":"2022-03-31T14:22:58","modified_gmt":"2022-03-31T18:22:58","slug":"lead-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lead-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"What do lead testing results mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#what-is-lead-blood-test\">What is a lead blood test?<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-test-in-children\">How to test for lead in children<\/a> | <a href=\"#lead-levels-in-children\">Lead levels in children<\/a> | <a href=\"#lead-poisoning\">Lead poisoning<\/a> | <a href=\"#symptoms\">Symptoms<\/a> | <a href=\"#treatments\">Treatment<\/a> | <a href=\"#prevention\">Prevention<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lead is a natural element that was previously used in all sorts of products, from gasoline and paint to cosmetics. It\u2019s dangerous when ingested or absorbed through your skin. It accumulates in the body\u2014stored in bones and teeth\u2014and causes a variety of serious health problems. The most common way that people are exposed is through ingesting or breathing in particles from lead paint\u2014often from living in or renovating homes built before 1978 (when lead paint was banned).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important that all young children be tested for lead, as early lead exposure may not have any symptoms. Yet, even very small amounts can be damaging to children\u2019s nervous system, intelligence, attention span, and academic achievement, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nceh\/lead\/prevention\/health-effects.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Here, learn more about lead testing and how to prevent lead exposure in the first place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-lead-blood-test\">What is a lead blood test?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A lead blood test measures the amount of lead present in your body, or your blood lead level. Children are routinely tested at their 12 and 24 month <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/well-child-check\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">well-child checkups<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cBecause kids under [age] 6 are more likely to put items in their mouth, they\u2019re at the highest risk,\u201d explains Samuel Werner, DO, a family medicine physician at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.familyosteopathy.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family Osteopathy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in New Jersey. The timing of testing is intentional. When kids are starting to crawl or walk\u2014and putting everything in their mouths\u2014they can easily ingest lead particles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults may be tested if their history indicates high risk, and they have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.urmc.rochester.edu\/encyclopedia\/content.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like belly pain, fatigue, or memory loss. Some high-risk categories for lead exposure include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living in a house built before 1960 or a home built before 1978 with recent renovations or chipped paint<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent immigration to the United States<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having parents who work in a job with regular lead exposure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living near a factory whose byproducts could result in lead exposure in soil<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnant women may be tested because high levels of lead can be passed on to the developing baby.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lead exposure may not cause any symptoms until it reaches toxic levels and causes health problems. \u201cTesting for lead exposure helps us identify where the exposure is coming from by checking out the home environment and taking steps to help around the home if needed,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chrichmond.org\/find-a-provider\/tiffany-kimbrough\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiffany Kimbrough<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, a pediatrician at the Children&#8217;s Hospital of Richmond at VCU in Virginia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-test-in-children\">How to test for lead in children<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lead blood tests can be done in two ways:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A finger-prick or heel-prick (capillary) test:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the easiest and first blood lead test, done similarly to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/normal-blood-glucose-levels\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">checking blood sugar levels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for people with diabetes. The finger-prick or heel-prick blood sample usually has <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nceh\/lead\/prevention\/blood-lead-levels.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">quick results<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A traditional blood draw, or venous blood draw: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood is drawn from a vein. This test is commonly done to confirm the results of a prick test if initial results show elevated blood lead levels. Lab results usually take several days to process, but are more accurate and sensitive to lower levels than a finger-poke.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis second test is needed because sometimes children will have lead dust present on their fingers that causes a falsely high result,\u201d says Dr. Kimbrough, \u201cso the venous check is more accurate.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no preparation required, such as having your child fast, before either type of test. Your child\u2019s healthcare provider may ask for your help keeping your child calm and still, by having your child sit in your lap during the test. If the test results are negative, and your child isn\u2019t in a high-risk environment or otherwise showing lead poisoning symptoms, further testing isn\u2019t needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both private insurance and Medicaid typically cover the cost of lead screenings for children.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lead-levels-in-children\">Lead levels in children<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normal lead levels should be less than 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (mcg\/dL), according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nceh\/lead\/data\/blood-lead-reference-value.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A 2007 study from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/labs\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1940087\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental Health Perspectives<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has shown even this low level can negatively affect children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThere is no true safe level of lead in growing and developing children,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com\/physician-finder\/jean-siri-moorjani-md\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jean Moorjani<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, a pediatrician at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. \u201cIf your child has elevated lead levels, your doctor may recommend closer monitoring or medical treatment.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your child\u2019s lead test results are greater than 3.5 mcg\/dL, your healthcare provider will provide counseling to reduce lead exposure and recommend a follow-up test after a set amount of time has passed to confirm that levels are remaining stable or decreasing.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<h3><strong><span class=\"title\">Lead levels in children chart<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Level<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Elevation<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><b>Meaning<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&lt; 3.5 mcg\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normal<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is very little lead in your child\u2019s blood. No additional testing needed.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.5 mcg\/dL &#8211; 19 mcg\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A follow-up blood test is needed in 6 months. Your pediatrician and health department will work with you to find sources of lead and protect your child.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20mcg\/dL &#8211; 44 mcg\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very high<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A follow-up blood test is needed within 1 to 3 months. Your pediatrician and health department will work with you to find sources of lead and protect your child.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&gt; 44 mcg\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extremely high<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediate treatment is required, along with an investigation of why lead levels are so elevated. A follow-up test is needed within 48 hours.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nceh\/lead\/advisory\/acclpp\/actions-blls.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"lead-poisoning\">Lead poisoning<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up to toxic levels in the body. This can take months or years depending on the level of exposure. Lead poisoning has physical and mental health effects and can even be fatal. According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/lead-poisoning-and-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">World Health Organization<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (WHO), lead exposure caused 900,000 deaths worldwide in 2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some household items and environmental risk factors that contribute to lead poisoning <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nceh\/lead\/prevention\/sources.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">including<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old paint in homes built before 1978<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water that comes from old pipe systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toys, jewelry, and candy imported from other countries\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some pottery and ceramics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living near an airport or factory where lead can enter the soil\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imported <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nceh\/lead\/prevention\/sources\/foods-cosmetics-medicines.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home remedies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014for example, azarcon and greta are powders that can have a high lead content, and are used as an Hispanic traditional medicine for digestive issues<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lead may not be present in your home but it could contaminate your child\u2019s school or child care facility.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"symptoms\">Symptoms<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The symptoms of pediatric lead poisoning might not immediately happen, says Dr. Werner, \u201cand often the lowest levels can have subtle but long-lasting effects on behavior and development.\u201d\u00a0 Signs to watch for in your child <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/topics\/lead\/health.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">include<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"treatments\">Treatment<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lead poisoning is considered a public health problem. At a level above 5 mcg\/dL, the state health department is notified so they can conduct a risk assessment of your home environment to identify potential sources for lead and offer case management. They can help you create a plan to reduce any further exposure. Children will have additional lead testing afterward with ongoing developmental screenings \u201csince different neurodevelopmental effects may not be immediately obvious,\u201d Dr. Werner adds. Treatment may include the following.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dietary changes<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making sure your child has a proper diet can help protect against elevated lead levels. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jpeds.com\/article\/S0022-3476(17)30179-8\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Iron and calcium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> bind to lead and prevent it from being absorbed. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and dark leafy vegetables are good sources of calcium. Iron-fortified cereals, seafood, and poultry are good sources of iron. Calcium <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vitamin-absorption\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may block iron from being absorbed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so it\u2019s a good idea to eat calcium-rich foods separately from iron-rich foods. Vitamin C can boost iron storage, so you can give your child citrus fruits, cantaloupe, tomatoes, or bell peppers along with iron-rich foods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early intervention<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because lead exposure can cause developmental problems or deficits at school, early intervention services are key. These programs are typically offered to children younger than 3 years of age with developmental or educational delays by your state\u2019s department of health. They can help to decrease issues caused by lead exposure. The earlier these services are used, the more successful they are. You can find the contact information for your local health department <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncbddd\/actearly\/parents\/state-text.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chelation therapy<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cLevels of 44 mcg\/dL [or greater] would lead most healthcare providers to recommend hospitalization and chelation therapy,\u201d explains Dr. Moorjani. However, in some circumstances, providers might choose to also treat someone with a level below that, especially if symptoms are present.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.poison.org\/articles\/chelation-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chelation therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> involves giving your child a medication that binds to (or chelates) lead. This medication is typically given by mouth or injected either into a muscle or a vein. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspharmacist.com\/article\/lead-toxicity-and-chelation-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral succimer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/chemet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) is usually given for 14 days, while injectable medication such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/edetate-calcium-disodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">edetate disodium calcium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (EDTA) is given in two courses, with five days of medication for each course. These medications break down the lead particles in order to make them less harmful. Broken down lead leaves the body through urine.\u00a0 While chelation can remove lead from the body, sometimes permanent damage has already been done to the brain and kidneys.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Untreated lead poisoning can be life-threatening, so if you suspect your child has been exposed, don\u2019t delay having them tested by a healthcare professional. Parents shouldn\u2019t give home remedies to try to lower a child\u2019s blood lead levels. \u201cThe remedies often are dangerous on their own, and don&#8217;t work,\u201d Dr. Werner says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"prevention\">Prevention<\/h3>\n<p id=\"\u201cprevention\u201d\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Childhood lead poisoning prevention strategies are the best remedy for lead exposure. There are steps you can take to make your environment safer for everyone, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsc.org\/home-safety\/safety-topics\/other-poisons\/lead\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conduct a lead water test. Or, consult the water safety reports from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/ground-water-and-drinking-water\/drinking-water-data-and-reports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (EPA).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test the paint in your home for lead. If you know you have lead-based paint, avoid sanding it so dust isn\u2019t produced. Check for peeling paint regularly and fix lead hazards using approved methods. Use lead-safe work methods when you are repainting or renovating if you have an older home. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/lead\/how-can-i-tell-if-my-home-contains-lead-based-paint\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the EPA\u2019s guide on how to test for lead paint<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/iron-rich-foods-anemia-diet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nutritious meals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that are high in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/iron\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">iron<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/calcium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">calcium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in contaminated soil.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dust surfaces on a regular basis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash hands frequently, and teach your children not to put their hands in their mouths.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a water filter, or let the water run to flush out the pipes before using.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you work in an industry that exposes you to lead, make sure you aren\u2019t bringing lead dust into the home.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any concerns when it comes to lead exposure, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider to get a lead test. The earlier your child is tested, the sooner treatment can begin. For more information on lead and lead poisoning prevention, read the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nceh\/lead\/faqs\/lead-faqs.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC\u2019s Lead FAQs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a lead blood test? | How to test for lead in children | Lead levels in children | Lead poisoning | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention Lead is a natural element that was previously used in all sorts of products, from gasoline and paint to cosmetics. It\u2019s dangerous when ingested or absorbed through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":94,"featured_media":50440,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[3564,729,13141,8905],"coauthors":[20620],"class_list":["post-50029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-children","tag-doctor-visits","tag-parenting","tag-seasonal","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Lead levels in children<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Results above 3.5 mcg\/dL are high lead levels in children. Lead testing is done at a child\u2019s 12- and 24-month checkups. 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