Environmental Health - Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health

Environmental Health

New Iowa Law Requires Children be Tested for Lead Poisoning

Beginning in the fall of 2008, all students under age 6 will be required to have at least one blood test to check for lead poisoning. The new Iowa law applies to children enrolling in public and private schools and those who are home schooled.

The only way to know if a child is lead poisoned is to have a blood test (finger prick).

Lead-Free Kids provides FREE testing for any child under age 6 who lives in Cerro Gordo, Hancock or Worth counties.

Officials with Lead-Free Kids prefer a more aggressive testing regimen than what the state law requires, recommending children be tested according to the Iowa Department of Public Health high risk protocol: testing at age 12 months, 18 months, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years.

However, only one test will be required in the new state law.

Ask your physician during a childhood checkup or contact your county health department for lead testing.

These health departments provide free testingfor children under age 6 who live in Cerro Gordo, Hancock and Worth counties. Call to schedule an appointment for your child:

Cerro Gordo County :
(641) 421-9324 or Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581

Hancock County :
(800) 775-6180

Worth County:
(800) 765-1388

The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health is the coordinating department for Lead Free Kids, a lead poisoning prevention program that covers Cerro Gordo, Hancock and Worth counties.

The program is funded by the Cerro Gordo, Hancock and Worth Empowerment Area.

Funding provides:

Free capillary (finger prick) blood testing for children under age 6 who live in Cerro Gordo, Hancock or Worth County.
Free (non-destructive) lead paint testing for anyone who lives in a home built before 1978, lives in Cerro Gordo, Hancock or Worth County and has a child that spends at least 10 hours per week at the home — as funding permits.