CHICAGO (AP) — It's National Lead Poisoning Prevention week and health officials are reminding parents to get their kids tested for lead exposure.
Children younger than six are especially vulnerable and should be tested, especially if their homes were built before 1978.
More than 5,000 Illinois children have been identified with high blood lead levels. And the state Public Health Department says about 75 percent of Illinois homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint.
A state program has regional and local health departments inspect homes of exposed kids.
Stephen Martin Jr. is chief operating officer at Cook County's public health department.
He says parents should understand the importance of testing. Lead poisoning can have last health effects including developmental delays.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
