LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Southern Nevada Health District will begin offering free lead testing for consumer products starting April 6, with testing available the first Monday of each month, health officials said.
The service will be offered from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the health district building located at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. near Veterans Memorial Highway.
No appointment is required, officials said.
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Testing is intended to help residents identify household items that may contain lead and learn how to reduce exposure risks, according to the health district. Officials said the screenings use an X-ray fluorescence analyzer that can detect lead and other heavy metals in many common materials and provide immediate results.
“Lead exposure is preventable, but it often comes from everyday items people don’t realize may be hazardous,” Dr. Cassius Lockett, the health district’s district health officer, said in a statement. “By offering free, accessible testing, we are giving residents the tools they need to identify potential risks in their homes and take steps to protect themselves and their families — especially young children, who are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead.”
Health officials said items that may be important to test include traditional painted pottery used for food or beverages, toys and cups frequently handled or mouthed by young children, and household items such as keys or imported goods.
The health district recently tested traditional pottery from local retailers using the same technology and found lead levels ranging from 24 to 64,600 parts per million in items including ceramic water pitchers, bowls, mugs and tortilla makers, officials said. After the outreach, the products were voluntarily removed from sale.
Health officials said traditional painted ceramic pottery could contain lead that can deteriorate over time and contaminate food or beverages. Lead has also been found in cookware, ceramics, spices, and other imported goods, according to the health district.
Young children face the greatest risk from lead because their bodies are still growing, health officials said, and exposure can affect development and behavior even at relatively small amounts. Higher exposure levels can cause more serious complications.
Signs of lead exposure may not be obvious, health officials said, but testing is the only reliable way to know whether a child has been exposed.
The health district noted that Medicaid and Nevada Check Up generally cover lead screening for eligible children at ages 1 and 2, and for children up to age 6 if they were not tested earlier. Parents and caregivers should ask a pediatrician or health care provider about screening at regular well-child visits.
More information about testing consumer products for lead is available through the Southern Nevada Health District.
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