Lead Poisoning

Most cases of lead poisoning happen in children living in low-income regions. Therefore, young refugee patients (particularly those under 6 years of age) are at risk of lead poisoning.

While we do not recommend routine screening of asymptomatic children with lead levels, screening can be considered in children age <6 who have lived in poverty or who are iron deficient (since this can increase lead absorption).

It is also essential to test all refugee children with unexplained neurocognitive deficits (developmental delay, low IQ), hearing loss or nephropathy for lead poisoning. Any detectable blood lead level result should be discussed with a Pediatrician.

 

>> For the management of detectable blood lead levels, refer to the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU) recommendations.