The Lead Program has seen an increase from 231 children screened for lead poisoning in 2003-2004 to 256 children screened in 2004-2005, an increase of 25. Twenty-two children in 2004-2005 were found to have levels over 10ug/dl, with eight of them needing close follow-up and confirmatory  venipunctures.

 

The need for increased blood lead screening has been identified because Iowa has a high percentage of pre-1960 housing. Lead based paint, the most common source of lead poisoning, is often found in homes built before 1960. Crawford County Public Health screens children through Child Health Clinics and Immunization Clinics, from 12 months of age to 6 years of age.