Lead – Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department

Lead is a naturally occurring, toxic heavy metal with a long history of use and significant health hazards.

What is lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring, toxic heavy metal with a long history of use and significant health hazards.

Where Can It Be Found?

Paint (Pre 1978)
Soil
Ceramics
Pipes and Plumbing Materials
Batteries
Ammunition
Foreign Cosmetics

Who is at Risk?

Pregnant women
Children under the age of 6

What are the Health Effects of Lead?

For children it can cause:

Behavior and learning problems
Lower IQ and hyperactivity
Slowed growth
Hearing problems
Anemia

For pregnant women:

Premature birth or too small baby
Can hurt the baby’s brain, kidney, and nervous system
Increases the likelihood of learning or behavioral problems for the baby
Risk for miscarriage

Lower Your Chance of Lead Exposure

Inspect and maintain all painted surfaces to prevent paint deterioration
Keep your home clean and dust free
Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys
Teach children to remove their shoes and wash their hands after playing outdoors

Coming Soon - What we can offer

Blood Lead Testing

We will offer testing for lead in blood for children under the age of 6.

Home Lead Testing

We will come to your home and test all painted surfaces, dust, and soil (we do not test water) for lead and determine if there is a lead hazard. (No blood test is required for this).

To qualify for this, you must meet the following requirements:

House must be built before 1978
Must have proof of ownership
A child under the age of 6 must reside, or spend a minimum of 60 hours per year in the home
Household income must be at or below 80% of the median area income by county