Lead poisoning in children can lead to serious problems, including learning difficulties, speech disorders and stunted growth. In Chicago, lead exposure affects some communities far more than others. That is why the city has launched a two-year program meant to change that.
All of Chicago draws its drinking water from a single source, but because of the variety of pipes the water travels through from Lake Michigan to the tap at home, residents of some neighborhoods are more likely to be exposed to lead. The new pilot program aims to improve the health of children in those neighborhoods by giving them direct access to lead testing.
Checking whether a child has elevated blood lead levels takes only a few seconds. Families can sign up for one of Prism Health’s free mobile clinics on its website, or order a free home water test kit from the Chicago Department of Water Management.
BK
Source: Polski.FM
