Policy Tool Kit

Test the Children

Problem: Children with dangerous levels of lead in their blood, may not be symptomatic...or the symptoms mimic common childhood conditions.

Solutions: 

• Promote childhood lead testing. Examples include:

  • Frequent reminders to health care providers (Health Departments)

  • Training for
    health professionals, child care providers, child welfare organizations. (Health Departments, Medical Educators, Children services organizations)

• Use mobile units in  unconventional locations with convenient hours of service. (Health Department, Social service providers).

• Mandatory testing of children in Foster care (County JFS)

• Mandatory testing of WIC enrolled moms and babies. (County JFS)

• Enact and promote Universal child lead testing requirements and lower the threshold for public health inspections. (Policy makers: State, city, advocates)