Supporting the Connection Between Lead Poisoning Prevention and Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers TE2

Developmental delays, including concerns with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech, are all potential symptoms of lead exposure. There are no safe levels of lead exposure and even small amounts of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s ability to pay attention and academic achievement. In 2023, Public Health - Seattle & King County’s Lead and Toxics Program launched a pilot project with three King County based Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) organizations. The three organizations integrated a blood lead testing history question into their intake process and provided their staff with basic training on common sources of lead exposure, resources for families experiencing lead poisoning in King County, the connection between lead and ESIT, and why lead poisoning continues to be a pressing environmental justice issue in Washington State. This session will provide participants with an overview on lead poisoning prevention and share lessons learned from the pilot blood lead testing history project.