Health Providers
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CME Credits!
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has developed four free online training courses offered through UC Davis Health System and CME California.
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Overview of CA Occupational Lead Poisoning
- Coccidioidomycosis: Focus on Occupational Health
- Mercury Exposure and Health Effects
Medical care providers receive up to 1.0 hour of Category One credit for each course from UC Davis Health System, Office of Continuing Medical Education.
For Certified Industrial Hygienists, follow the requirements of the American Board of Industrial Hygiene for claiming certification maintenance credit following course completion.
Who Should be Tested for Lead?
Children
Children exposed to even small amounts of lead can suffer adverse health affects, most notably a lowered IQ, and may develop learning and behavior problems.
Both Federal and State Medicaid regulations require that all children enrolled in Medicaid be tested at 12 months and again at 24 months of age. Children between the ages of 36 months and 72 months of age must receive a screening blood lead test if they have not been previously screened for lead poisoning. No state is exempt from this requirement.
Spanish: ¿Deberían chequear a su niño por envenenamiento con plomo?
Screening and Reporting Requirements
- EPSDT Screening Requirements CMS
- Notifiable Diseases and Conditions in New Mexico - Environmental Exposures
Children with blood lead levels below 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL)
Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. Therefore, for levels between 5-9 µg/dL and if requested, the New Mexico Department of Health will work with parents and physicians to identify sources of lead exposure so the exposure may be reduced or stopped. This involves discussing potential sources of a child’s exposure and providing education about lead exposure prevention.
Adults
In New Mexico, industries where lead exposure is common include public safety, radiator repair, mining and construction. However, non-occupational sources of lead exposure are also common in adults and include (but are not limited to) firearm hobbies, retained bullets, and the use of herbal remedies.
Adults should have a blood lead level test if:
- Their employment exposes them to lead
- They are self-employed or work in small businesses
- They routinely use leaded products in their hobby
Adult Lead Exposure Management Guidelines
Pregnant Women
The New Mexico Department of Health recommends following the medical case management guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding pregnant and lactating women.
- Guidelines for the Identification and Management of Lead Exposure in Pregnant and Lactating Women
- Reduced Intellectual Development in Children with Prenatal Lead Exposure
More Information
- Policy Statement 2005: American Academy of Pediatrics - Lead Exposure in Children
- Press Release 2003: NIEHS - Low Levels of Lead and IQ Deficit
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