Lead Screenings
Lead screenings are an important measure to keep you and your family healthy. Below you'll find more information on why you need to be screened and how to get your lead screening.
Why your children need to get screened
Exposure to lead, a toxic metal, can be dangerous. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children have a higher risk for lead poisoning than adults. Their bodies take in more lead than adults’ bodies do.
Lead poisoning can harm children's brains and nervous systems. Children also come into contact with more lead because they can touch something that contains lead and then put their hands in their mouths.
Ask your doctor to check lead levels before age two and get your child tested for lead poisoning even if he or she seems healthy. A blood test can be done by a simple finger prick in your doctor’s office or at a lab. If the results are higher than a certain level, it will be important to bring your child back for a blood sample from the vein.
Know your environment
Lead can be found in:
- Dust and soil
- Pipes in homes built before 1986
- Older toys and play jewelry
- Paint in homes built before 1978
- Metal window blinds
Protect your family
You’re not powerless against lead. Here’s what you can do to keep your family safe:
- Make sure children eat healthy foods and snacks
- Clean your home regularly
- Wipe children’s hands and remove their shoes after playing outdoors
- Use cold water to prepare food and drinks
- Clean floors with a damp mop each week
- Don’t let children play in dirt
- Wipe down flat surfaces, such as windowsills, weekly with a damp paper towel
- Wash pacifiers, toys or bottles that fall on the floor
To find a doctor near you, visit our Find a Doctor page.
If you’re a member of Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and need a ride to your appointment, call our transportation services at 1-888-803-4947. TTY users should call 711.