GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Division of Well being and Human Providers has finalized the protocol for docs to order lead testing in younger youngsters.
It stems from a pair of payments handed by the Legislature and signed into regulation by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in October of 2023. They require that every one Michigan youngsters have their blood examined at 12 months and 24 months of age.
“By ensuring Michigan children universally receive a blood lead test at a very young age, we can more quickly address the health risks associated with elevated blood lead levels, which will lead to healthier lives,” MDHHS Chief Medical Government Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian mentioned in a press release. “Families can also be alerted to the need to identify and address any hazards in their home that could be causing elevated levels, such as paint, plumbing or soil.”
In accordance with the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, excessive ranges of lead publicity may cause a number of well being issues, together with growth points in younger youngsters. Research have proven elevated lead publicity can result in potential harm to the mind and nervous system, stunted progress and growth, and issues with listening to and speech.
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“Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms,” the CDC states. “If parents believe their children have been exposed to lead, they should talk to their child’s healthcare provider.”
Lead publicity just isn’t a brand new concern in Michigan, significantly in Grand Rapids and Kent County at giant.
4 out of 5 houses in Grand Rapids and practically three of 5 in Kent County have been constructed earlier than 1978, the 12 months lead paint was banned. In accordance with a 2018 report from the Kent County Lead Activity Drive, round 83,000 of all Kent County housing models are thought of in danger for lead paint hazards.
In accordance with 2023 state knowledge, 108,080 youngsters below the age of 6 have been examined for lead in 2022 and three.7% had elevated blood lead ranges, which may pose some critical well being dangers.
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“It’s been a known neurotoxin for a long time. It can cause developmental delays. It can cause a large variety of health issues,” Drew Salisbury, supervising sanitarian of the Kent County Well being Division, advised Information 8 in 2023.
Because the laws is written, dad and mom could decide out of the testing program, however MDHHS encourages everybody to participate to provide well being officers extra detailed details about potential air pollution.
