Lead poisoning causes learning disabilities, developmental delays, reduced intelligence quotient and behavior problems in children. Nearly one million pre-school age children have elevated levels of lead in their blood. Depending on the severity of their condition, children who suffer from lead poisoning may experience its debilitating effects throughout their lifetimes. The most common source of exposure is paint and lead dust in older homes. Because lead’s consequences are so severe, removing lead hazards (deteriorated paint, lead dust, and lead in soil around homes) in housing has significant health benefits for children.

On April 30, 2003, the Omaha Lead Superfund Site, in Omaha, Nebraska, was placed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priority List for uncontrolled hazardous waste due to identified soil contamination and associated potential risk to human health and the environment. This primarily residential area has been impacted by a combination of contaminants from nearby manufacturing processes, lead-based paint and leaded fuel emissions. The total area of the Omaha Lead Site is approximately 8,840 acres and is estimated to include 86,958 residents, of which over 36,000 are children. In addition to residential properties, the Omaha Lead Site includes child care facilities, schools, and playgrounds.

With support of a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the Boys Town Institute for Child Health Improvement is working with Boys Town Pediatrics to ensure they screen all children for lead poisoning following the recommendations of the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD). The DCHC recommends that all children ages 1, 2 and 3 years old are screened annually for lead and then children ages 4, 5 and 6 are screened if they live in areas of Omaha known to be contaminated with high levels of lead and/or live in or near other potential sources of lead.

For more information about this program, please contact Michelle Mertz at mertzm@boystown.org