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Personal Health Division

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides nursing case management, community education, and promotes awareness to decrease the incidence of lead poisoning in Kalamazoo County’s children and to facilitate the removal of lead hazards from our community. Lead is found in older homes where paint is deteriorating, which creates chips and dust that children consume. Microscopic amounts are enough to poison a child. Your home is at risk if it was built before 1978 when lead based paint was discontinued.

Lead poisoning is especially a problem for children under the age of 6 years old. It can cause long term damage to their brain and nervous system causing learning difficulties, speech, language, and behavior problems. It can also slow growth and cause muscle and joint pain, as well as digestive problems, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.

All children under the age of 6 years old should be screened for lead poisoning by their primary care providers. If the result is greater than 4.5 mcg/dL, they will automatically be referred to the county’s lead prevention nurse for follow up.

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311 E. Alcott St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49001

269-373-5200 (HCS main line)
269-373-5080 (program line)
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Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services is committed to providing equitable, culturally competent care to all individuals served, regardless of race, age, sex, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. 

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