Coal City on list for high risk for lead poisoning

The Village of Coal City is on the list of seven Grundy County communities with high risk for lead exposure.

The Gundy County Health Department updated the list as part of the state’s lead program.

Lead poisoning is the number one environmental illness of children, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health [IDPH] and it’s primarily due to lead based paint in older homes.

The program is based on three key areas—education/training, lead abatement/ mitigation licensure and testing, case management and surveillance.

Zip codes are determined to be more high risk for lead exposure depending on several variables including age of homes and population density.

High risk zip codes for Grundy County include Coal City, Gardner, Kinsman, Mazon, Morris, South Wilmington and Verona.

Effective July 1, the updated list will apply for blood lead testing guidance. Children 6 years of age or younger should be tested by their medical provider for lead poisoning when the child resides or frequently visits an area defined as “high risk” by the department.

Homes built before 1978 have a greater likelihood of containing lead paint. About 75% of Illinois home built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint. Other exposures may be from imported goods or food containing lead.

It is important for blood lead to be tested as lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. The health effects of exposure are more harmful to children less than six years of age because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly. Young children also tend to put their hands or other objects, which may be contaminated with lead dust, into their mouths.

If there is suspicion that a child may have been exposed to lead, parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider. Healthcare providers and most local health departments, including Grundy County Health Department, can test for lead in the blood.

For additional information visit dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/lead-poisoning-prevention.html