Less than 5% of Mesa County children under six years old were tested for lead exposure last year, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which is encouraging parents and caregivers to consider the critical test this year.

CDPHE Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Manager Megan Snow said that lead exposure can cause “learning and behavior problems,” as well as slow growth and development.

Providers are federally required to test all 1-2 to 24-month-old children who are Medicaid-eligible, or children between 3- and 6-years-old if they haven’t been tested.

Still, parents should ensure the test is conducted, as less than 10% of Medicaid-eligible children in Mesa County under 6 have been tested for lead.

Consult your primary care provider fo

See Full Page