For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Ringler Cerniglia, MPH
Public Information Officer
Washtenaw County Health Department
[email protected]
Cell 734-678-7010
Washtenaw County Health Department Provides Lead Testing in Manchester
Free lead testing available at Klager Elementary Friday 10/22 from 10am-3pm
YPSILANTI, Mich., Oct 21, 2021 – Washtenaw County Health Department is working with Manchester Community Schools and the Village of Manchester to provide information and resources in response to the local Lead Action Level Exceedance. The Health Department will offer lead testing to children and pregnant women tomorrow Friday, Oct. 22 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Luther C. Klager Elementary at 405 Ann Arbor St., Manchester.
There is no cost to individuals for the testing. Testing is strongly recommended for children 1 to 6 years of age and pregnant women. Results are expected within a week and will be provided by phone.
Typically, children under 6 and pregnant women are more vulnerable to lead poisoning. The most common source of exposure for young children is older homes or buildings with lead paint; other sources of exposure, like water, are also possible. If the results of Friday’s testing indicate elevated blood lead levels among local children or pregnant women, the Health Department will offer additional testing opportunities. Local pediatricians can also provide lead testing for children.
Information about the Lead Action Level Exceedance announced yesterday is available on the Village of Manchester website. Unfortunately, lead service lines are still in use in communities across Michigan, and they need to be replaced as soon as is feasible.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing free, lead-reducing water filters to Village households served by municipal water and with children or pregnant women in the home or that cannot afford a water filter. Filters cost about $35 and their replacement cartridges cost about $15. Filters will be available Village Hall at 912 City Rd. from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm starting Friday, Oct 22.
Additional information and resources
Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700.
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