ATLANTA – The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a federal public health agency and sister agency of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will conduct free blood lead testing on August 3 through August 6, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT at Iola High School, 300 E. Jackson Avenue in Iola, Kansas.

ATSDR scientists will also be going door-to-door from July 29 through August 1, 2017 to share information, answer questions, and sign up eligible residents for the testing.

ATSDR will offer free blood lead testing to determine the level of lead in a person’s blood and determine if individuals should follow-up with their doctor. Free testing will be offered to:  

• Children under the age of 6 years
• Women who are pregnant or of childbearing age

Eligible Iola residents can sign up for the free blood testing two ways:

• Call the toll-free number of (888) 892-1320 to make an appointment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.  When calling after hours, residents should leave a voice mail message with their name, telephone number, and best time to return their call.
• At your home when visited by an ATSDR health scientist.

If you have questions about the testing, please contact ATSDR’s Region 7 Office in Lenexa, KS at (913) 551-1310.

Background
Environmental testing conducted in the Iola area from 2005 to the present by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows high levels of lead in soil in residential yards from former smelter operations.

Studies show that children and the unborn babies of pregnant women are at higher risk than adults for developing health effects caused by exposure to high levels of lead. Children may be exposed to chemicals in soil more than adults because they play in it and put soil-covered toys and hands in their mouths.

When lead enters a child’s body, it can cause learning, hearing, and behavioral problems. Very high levels of lead may harm the brain, kidneys, and other organs.

For parents who want to learn more information about lead exposure, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/parents.htm or contact CDC-INFO at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

For more information about ATSDR, visit: www.atsdr.cdc.gov.

ATSDR, a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, evaluates the potential for adverse human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances in the environment.

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.