In August 1999 the Tennessee Department of Health provided free blood lead tests for children and women of childbearing age in the College Grove area. The purpose of the testing was to see if exposure to old battery chips had caused increased blood lead levels in children and women.
Children are much more sensitive to the harmful effects of lead than are adults.
Since lead can pass through the placenta to developing fetuses, it was important to test women of childbearing age, also. Even small amounts of chipped lead paint or leaded dust can cause severe and lasting harm to children. At low levels, lead poisoning can damage red blood cell production, slow a child s development, and cause learning and behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, inability to pay attention, and quick frustration. At high levels, lead poisoning can damage the nervous system, the kidneys, the reproductive system, and mental development. Signs of lead poisoning may not be present or may be mistaken for the flu or other illnesses.