State mandates children to be screened for lead
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jan 08 2009 at 4:36 PM
Lead >>

Connecticut – A new state law, which took effect from January 1, will double the number of young children tested each year for lead poisoning.

Per this law, all children under age 3 have an annual blood lead test. The law also requires that local public health departments interfere more dynamically when children are found with high blood lead levels but below the level of poisoning.

Though lead testing was recommended formerly, it was not mandatory.

Children’s pediatricians or primary care doctors or at hospitals or private labs will be doing the test.

“Lead poisoning is frequently unrecognized because it often occurs with no obvious symptoms. A blood lead test is the only way to know whether a person has been poisoned with lead,” said Dr. J. Robert Galvin, commissioner of public health.

Alan Buzzetti, program supervisor for the state Department of Public Health’s lead poisoning prevention and control program, said the law mandates health insurance plans to cover the tests.

“The state is working with self-insured employer plans to ensure that they also pay for the tests,” he said.

A child that has lead poisoning needs medical treatment.

Comments