Lead exposure and our children
•April 17, 2024•
Why are children particularly susceptible, and what can parents do about it?
By Angela Hogan
Lead exposure is a serious health concern for children, with potentially devastating consequences. Unfortunately, its exposure in children can occur and accumulate almost undetected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children at highest risk for lead exposure are typically under age 6, from low-income households, or reside in homes built before 1978.
Based on available data, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) currently recognizes most ZIP codes in Moultrie County as having an increased risk of pediatric lead exposure.
Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for potential sources of lead in their children’s environment. They need to remove or mitigate these exposure sources and know how and when to seek healthcare intervention.