Due to recent findings of elevated levels of lead found within the City of Newark Water system, WellCare is providing important information on lead screening. You play a vital role in ensuring the health of children and families exposed to lead and guaranteeing they receive the care and reassurance they need to manage any health impacts of lead poisoning.
Lead Exposure
Lead is a neuro-toxin. Exposure can cause violent and aggressive behaviors, learning disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and reduced IQ in levels as low as 10 ug/dL. Children and adults can be exposed to lead in multiple ways:
- Drinking water through lead pipes
- Old lead paint
- Soil
- Pottery
- Cosmetics
- Toys
- Drinking water through lead pipes
- Old lead paint
- Soil
- Pottery
- Cosmetics
- Toys
Screening for Lead Poisoning
IDENTIFY
Children suffering from lead poisoning often do not display outward symptoms. Early clinical symptoms can include anemia, anorexia, abdominal pain and constipation. Capillary or venous blood lead screening tests should be performed to accurately identify lead poisoning.
The following children under age 6 should receive a blood lead test:
- All children living in the City of Newark;
- Living in homes that use Newark water;
- Attend school or childcare in Newark; or
- Who have spent time with a caregiver in the City of Newark.
If a WellCare member has not been tested since April 2014, it is imperative they are tested.
Residents who live in the Pequannock service area and have a lead service line are advised to use bottled water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula.
WELLCARE WILL COVER LEAD SCREENINGS FOR MEMBERS, EVEN IF THEY HAD ONE THIS YEAR.
MANAGE BLOOD LEVELS
Listed below is guidance for management of childhood blood lead levels
| BLL < 5 ug/dL | BLL > 5 ug/DL | BLL > 40 ug/dL |
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REMINDER: All children covered by Medicaid must be tested at age 1 and 2 |
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FOLLOW-UP
The steps below will help you support families impacted by lead poisoning:
1. Inform and educate families regarding lead risks and preventive steps to minimize risk
2. Encourage families to use filtered water for drinking, mixing formula and washing dishes. Families can call 211 for information on free NSF Certified water filters
3. Make sure your patients eat balanced diets high in iron, calcium and Vitamin C. Consider recommending a multivitamin with iron if you have concerns. WIC and SNAP provide assistance to access fresh and healthy food
4. Breastfeeding is highly protective and encouraged. However, if the mother’s blood level rises above 40 ug/dL or her level is greater than 20 ug/dL and the bay has a level above 5 ug/dL, breastfeeding is not recommended
5. Children with lead poisoning need longitudinal follow-up and may need developmental and behavioral health intervention. Keep monitoring your patients’ development at each visit
6. Current pregnant women should complete a Perinatal Risk Screening
7. Consider additional wrap-around and support services such as early childhood home visiting programs, early head start and head start. Call 211 for more information
For More Information, please visit:
http://www.newarkleadserviceline.com/
https://www.state.nj.us/health/childhoodlead/testing.shtml
Resources for Patients
- Hotline with assistance in 150 languages – 1-866-448-2432
- For members to determine if they are eligible to receive bottle water http://www.newarkleadserviceline.com/
- To obtain and install filters http://www.newarkleadserviceline.com/
