Health department urges lead testing

State health leaders are urging parents to get their kids tested for lead poisoning, even if they’re not showing any symptoms of being sick.
 That’s because lead poisoning may not show any symptoms before irreversible damage is done.  Last month, the state Division of Public Health partnered with several Head Start day care programs in Dover and Georgetown to test 75 children for lead.  DPH leaders say that although lead paint hasn’t been used in homes since 1978, nearly 50 percent of Delaware homes were built before that time.  And even kids in homes built after 1978 are still at rick from lead exposure through toys and other improperly manufactured products.  The state is looking for groups to host lead-testing days.  To find out more information, call 302-283-7300 or visit DelawareHealthyHomes.org.