Blood testing doesn't reveal widespread elevated lead levels in Manchester's children
In light of the public notice of lead found in the tap water of some of the village homes with lead service lines, the Washtenaw County Health Department offered free blood lead level tests for young children and pregnant women in Manchester on October 22. Their nurses did 28 tests that day. While most were children, eight of those tested were adults (some of whom were pregnant or had recently delivered infants). Twenty of those tested had at least one additional potential lead exposure like living in pre-1978 housing or visiting often.
The Health Department reports that only one individual’s results were within an actionable level. All individuals tested have been contacted and were provided results, information, and follow up instructions. If the results of the testing indicated elevated blood lead levels among local children or pregnant women, the Health Department was planning to offer additional testing opportunities. However, the results did not indicate a need for broader testing at this time.
The Health Department does encourage testing for those most at risk (children/pregnant women) or those who may have exposures. Pediatricians can provide testing; the Washtenaw County Health Department also offers free blood lead testing for children up to 6 years old with Medicaid or who are uninsured. Please call 734-544-6700 to schedule an appointment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children ages 1 and 2 be screened for lead poisoning. Children who are 3 to 6 years old should be tested for lead if they have not been tested for lead before, and if they live or spend time in pre-1978 housing and/or have a sibling or playmate who has had lead poisoning
Visit https://www.washtenaw.org/1811/Lead for more information about lead exposure.
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