The Department of Health Environmental Services Division is conducting tests for the presence of lead in children.
This week is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and the Department of Health is partnering with the Department of Human and Social Services to conduct the lead tests in Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers across the territory.
Lead has been found to cause developmental problems in the growth of children especially if they are exposed at an early age. Children under 6 are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning.
These problems include brain and nerve damage, speech problems, trouble learning and paying attention and hearing problems. Aileen Solaita, Head of the Environmental Services Division said common sources of lead include paint and toys.
She said the next step is to ban any products that are known to contain high levels of lead from entering the territory.
