Lead testing declines in NH children, health officials say
New Hampshire health officials say fewer children have been tested for lead exposure in recent years.Under state guidelines, children should have their lead levels checked at least once before age 2 and again before age 6. Health officials said children are at risk in New Hampshire because the state has a large number of older homes that have paint that contains lead."The main source of elevated lead levels is lead-based paint," said Dr. Jonathan Ballard, chief medical officer for the Department of Health and Human Services. "Older homes have a significant amount of lead-based paint, and that can cause exposure to children unknowingly."Doctors said the threat to children is significant because even small amounts of exposure to lead can lead to serious health problems.Children youn...