ICE raids risk blocking lead tests for LA children's brain protection

The Hidden Threat of Lead in Los Angeles

Lead, a highly potent neurotoxin, is found in many homes, schools, parks, and workplaces across Los Angeles County. Its presence is both widespread and dangerous. Health officials emphasize that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children, and they recommend that all children in the county be tested for lead twice before their second birthday. However, recent concerns about the impact of immigration policies have raised alarms about the potential decline in these critical tests.

Dr. Felix Aguilar, medical director for quality at LA Care Health Plan, one of the largest Medi-Cal insurance plans in California, warns that the current environment may lead to fewer health check-ups. “We’re on the precipice,” he said. “We’re going to see a drop in testing. We’re going to see a drop in a multitude of things, like immunizations.”

The Importance of Early Lead Testing

Children’s brains and bodies are most vulnerable during early development, which is why lead testing is recommended at 12 and 24 months of age. For children enrolled in publicly funded programs or living in areas with known lead risks, state regulations require these tests. If these milestones are missed, catch-up tests are advised by the age of 72 months.

The consequences of delaying or skipping lead testing can be severe. Even low levels of lead in the blood can cause IQ loss, damage to the nervous system, and slowed growth. These effects are irreversible and can have lifelong implications for a child's cognitive and physical development.

A Drop in Medical Visits

Aguilar estimates that primary care visits have already dropped by about 50% this year due to fear among patients. Many individuals are avoiding doctors’ offices because of the presence of federal immigration agents in their neighborhoods. While some healthcare providers offer alternative services, such as in-home visits, there are currently no at-home blood lead tests available for use by health professionals.

This situation could lead to lower childhood lead testing rates in the county. Last year, only about 64% of eligible Medi-Cal children under the LA Care Health Plan had their blood tested for lead at both 12 and 24 months, as required by government guidelines.

State-by-State Variations in Testing

Lead testing rates and requirements vary significantly from state to state. In Iowa, 87% of children born in 2020 had their blood tested before turning three. However, according to the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, only 4% of children under age six were tested in 2018, compared to a national average of 18%.

Dr. Gerardo Hernandez, a family physician, shares similar concerns. He notes that fear of public spaces and clinics is preventing parents from bringing their children in for necessary check-ups. “If it’s a 12- or 24-month-old and they don’t come in, then absolutely we miss the opportunity to do lead testing.”

Understanding the Risks of Lead Exposure

The CDC sets its action threshold at 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, but brain damage can occur at much lower levels. Studies show that IQ declines steeply between 1-10 μg/dL, with losses up to six points. Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a lead researcher, explains that the threshold is based more on feasibility than science, as over half of tested American children have detectable lead levels.

Low-level, long-term exposure is also linked to serious health issues, including kidney damage and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies suggest that even blood lead levels below 5 μg/dL — the adult action level — are associated with an increased risk of death from heart disease.

Tracking the Problem and Addressing It

State data show that 1,587, or 1.6%, of the 93,463 children surveyed under age six had blood levels at or above the CDC’s action threshold in 2023. However, experts stress that reducing lead exposure is just as important as detecting it.

When a child has elevated lead levels, officials provide guidelines for reducing exposure, primarily focusing on what happens inside the home. However, many sources of lead exposure exist outside the home, including legacy pollution from industrial activities and former facilities like the Exide lead-battery recycling plant in Vernon, which contaminated thousands of homes.

Educating Communities and Improving Detection

Rossmery Zayaz, a grassroots organizer with Communities for a Better Environment, highlights the need for better education on lead exposure. “We need to stay ahead of the lead,” she said, emphasizing the importance of community-based programs aimed at informing families about all potential sources of lead.

Another challenge is that blood tests only capture lead exposure from the past eight weeks. More accurate methods, such as bone or teeth examination, exist but are rarely used due to logistical and medical difficulties. Howard Hu, a leading expert in lead research, has developed portable tools to test bone lead deposits, but blood tests remain the primary method of screening.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Lead Poisoning

LA County’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides support and educational resources to affected communities and healthcare providers. However, the program does not conduct blood testing itself. A county health department spokesperson acknowledged that aggressive immigration policies might affect access to healthcare, but no significant decrease in testing has been noted yet.

Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the long-term impact of the current environment on childhood health. As Dr. Aguilar puts it, “This is the new normal.”