The Berrien County Health Department is offering lead testing for children under the age of six. County Health Officer Guy Miller tells us there are many possible sources of the contamination.
“I think everybody is very aware that there has been lead in drinking water, but the most common contaminant is actually through lead paint and lead dust,” Miller said. “There are certain hobbies like smelting, mining, pottery that can lead to higher lead exposure, and it can be in our soil naturally occurring and in some household items.”
Miller says lead is a concern countywide, especially in homes that were built before 1978.
“There is actually no safe level of lead, and it primarily affects the development of your nervous system. So, your brain.”
Therefore, it’s important to catch elevated lead levels in the blood of children as early as possible.
Miller says the testing being offered by the health department is a simple finger prick, which would then be followed up with another blood test if anything is detected.
The tests are available at the Benton Harbor office of the Berrien County Health Department on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at the Niles office on Wednesdays from 9 to 3.
Anyone who wants to get their child tested should contact the department to make an appointment. Appointments can be made by calling 1.800.815.5485 and selecting option 3. The BCHD will also accept walk-ins.
