Editor’s note: Este artículo está traducido al español.

The Southern Nevada Health District is urging parents to have their young children tested for lead poisoning after 52 children under age 6 in Clark County were found to have elevated blood lead levels in 2024.

Officials said today that these children had blood lead levels at or above the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention threshold of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, according to a news release from the health district. However, health officials estimate only 3.4% of children in the county are tested, meaning many cases likely go undetected.

“The science is clear: There is no safe level of lead,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, district health officer of the Southern Nevada Health District. “Prevention and early detection are key to protecting children, as even low levels of lead can affect their learning and behavior.”

Lead exposure can result in serious, lifelong health issues in children, with young children especially at risk because their brains and nervous systems are still developing, according to the health district.

Even low-level exposure can cause learning delays and behavioral problems, while higher levels may lead to headaches, hearing loss, brain damage, anemia and even death.

Common sources of the toxic metal found in homes include cookware, ceramics, keys, imported goods, herbal remedies, spices, fishing equipment and food. These items can break down over time and release fine dust that contaminates living areas.

Children typically become poisoned by ingesting lead-contaminated dirt, dust, food or items they placed in their mouths.

Because symptoms are often invisible, a blood test is the only reliable way to determine if a child has been exposed to lead. Medicaid and Nevada Check Up cover lead testing at 12 months and again at 24 months, or any time before age 6 if previous tests were missed.

“Parents should talk to their child’s health care provider about testing so we can take steps to safeguard their health and future,” Lockett said.