Blood Lead L ead is a naturally occurring substance having no known physiologic value. It has been spread throughout the environment by human activity over many centuries. People are routinely exposed to many sources of lead, such as lead-based paint in older buildings, contaminated soil and dust, motor fuel and airborne industrial exhausts. Children under the age of six are most susceptible to lead's toxic effects. A relatively small accumulation in a child's body can result in impaired development.
Higher levels can result in serious medical problems.
Older children and adults can also be affected, but their tolerance level is much higher. Children under the age of six who receive Medicaid Title 19 Aid are required to have a blood lead screening test. Children identified as having elevated lead levels through this screening test are referred for further clinical evaluation. This usually includes confirmatory blood lead testing and possibly treatment, accompanied by an assessment of the child's environment to determine and eliminate the source of exposure. Analysis is performed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.